Where will Owen go?

evilhomer

Now that Real Madrid Have signed both Rubinho and "the beast" Baptista what will happen to Owen?

My guess is that unless Luxembergo is planning to offload either Raul or Ronaldo Owens days are numbered.

In a world cup year Owen can hardly afford to sit on the Bench, with players like Rooney, Defoe, Crouch (Don't Laugh) and probably Johnson playing regular football.

So I would imagine a move back to the premiership is on the cards.

Where do you all think He will go and why?

Jonny Arson

Yeah it certainly appears that Owen is on his way out which I feel is quite harsh becasue he did ok with Real last season with limited chances. IMO it should be Raul or Ronaldo going, Raul has been off form for the past few seasons and Ronaldo has been either brilliant or very poor.

I can't see any of the top 3 English sides taking him.... Liverpool would be most likely but they've signed Crouch and have 6 strikers now so I think that rules them out. I would love to see him join Everton but despite the fact Everton have money, his stint at Liverpool will rule that out.

AC Milan? Owen to replace Crespo?

ziggy

Arsenal

This post has been deleted.

PHB

Stay Put

I thought Owen was an Everton fan anyway?

AC Milan have replaced Crespo with two top quality strikers, Gilardino and Vieri, he won't be wanted there.
I think his best bet is to stay at Real and fight for his place, but I doubt that'll happen, so I'd imagine Arsenal might be alikely destination. That said, perhaps Fergie will rekindle his interest in him, and offload Saha or something. Hope not though

jcoote

he may well come back cos baros is off on his way but i'd say chelsea might grabhim...or maybe ac milan cos crespo did good things there and he's back at the bridge now so who knows

Drag00n79

Everton

Zane from MTV2 wrote:

AC Milan? Owen to replace Crespo?

Don't forget Milan bought Vieri and Gilardino in the close season. I don't see him joining ManU. They have enough strikers as it is. I think it would be a great move for Chelsea if they bought him but I don't expect them to. I would think maybe Arsenal or perhaps... Newcastle — I could see him playing for them.

Necronomicon

Newcastle

I think the two most likely would be Arsenal or United. But I'm betting on Arsenal. I definately think he will go somewhere.

jcoote

yeah thats right milan bought them 2 lads...bolton possibly??

Drag00n79

Everton

I don't see Bolton being able to afford him. Nor would he want to play for them.

jcoote

is he still a big game player he did do well in spain granted but i don't think the hype is quite the same as when he left england is it?

ziggy

Arsenal

This post has been deleted.

ianomccabe

Arsenal

Owen will go to Man u

jcoote

i'm not sure if he is has 20 goals a season in him thats why i said bolton

Drag00n79

Everton

jcoote wrote:

is he still a big game player he did do well in spain granted but i don't think the hype is quite the same as when he left england is it?

I think he is a class act. I wish Liverpool would try to get him back but I don't think Rafa is too keen. It was only when I was doing out my fantasy football team the other day it dawned on me that Henry is the only world-class goalscorer in the Prem. The only one you can rely on to score no matter what. I think Owen would be a prolific goalscorer no matter who he played for.

Just heard on 2FM sports news there that Schalke have agreed a fee for Baros.

jcoote

oh good man any amount mentioned?? i think owen was useless in his last year

mike65

Everton

He's too young. Maybe in 10 years time......

(Sam needs evidence of a free travel pass before he signs someone!)

I'd love to see him back at Anfield but even with Baros gone thats still Morientes, Crouch, Cisse, FSP, Mellor (unless he goes on loan/sold) plus Le Tallac (though he's not a lead striker for me) all fighting for two places at most.

Mike.

Davei141

For 5m i keep hearing, biggest joke ive ever heard in my life. Id love to see owen back at liverpool too, top class.

jcoote wrote:

oh good man any amount mentioned?? i think owen was useless in his last year

Useless? he was the top scorer.

evilhomer

Everton

I think Newcastle will go for him. We are really, really stuck for a top class striker and Owen would fit the bill nicely if he can continue his goal scoring record from last year.
Plus He would be almost gurenteed a starting place in the first team if He was fit. Which is exactly what He needs ahead of the World Cup.

Other then that I can only see Arsenal getting Him.
He would have to be a proper mercenary to go to Man Utd.

Chelsea is always an option, but I doubt they would be interested.

eirebhoy

Atari Jaguar

Yeah, should have voted Newcastle myself. If they had £25m to pay for Rooney last season surely they'll pay around £8m for Owen.

Spider_Baby!

Well, what d chelsea have now? Drogba, Crespo, Gudjohnson...Cole? I think Owen to chelsea is the biggest possibility if he goes anywhere, but its all down to whether or not they think they're strong enough with what they have.

evilhomer

Everton

Spider_Baby! wrote:

Well, what d chelsea have now? Drogba, Crespo, Gudjohnson...Cole? I think Owen to chelsea is the biggest possibility if he goes anywhere, but its all down to whether or not they think they're strong enough with what they have.

Chelsea's system only requires one striker, So I would Imagine that three for the one position is enough even for Chelsea.

Shaun Wright-Philips can also play up front.

I think (And I could be wrong) the next striker that Chelsea will sign will be someone like Adriano, Schevchenko, Trezuguet, etc...
They want someone who will score a lot of goals in europe. IMHO.

jcoote

yeah i think chelsea will be thinkin champions league when looking for a goal scorer and i don't think owen has it tbh..adrianno would be the man i do believe

Jivin Turkey

Atari Jaguar

evilhomer wrote:

They want someone who will score a lot of goals in europe. IMHO.

Owen's record in Europe is incredible.

I think Owen will stick it out for another year, and in fact it could be Raul or Ronaldo that makes way.

He is still a class act, always has been, despite "being useless" in his last season he still hit 16 goals in 29 games :rolleyes:

The fact that its a world cup year doesnt matter, if he is fit he will start for England regardless of his club situation. He is the best striker England have.

Oriel

Man Utd

I think he'll do a Rushie.

Necronomicon

Newcastle

evilhomer wrote:

Chelsea's system only requires one striker, So I would Imagine that three for the one position is enough even for Chelsea.

Shaun Wright-Philips can also play up front.

I think (And I could be wrong) the next striker that Chelsea will sign will be someone like Adriano, Schevchenko, Trezuguet, etc...
They want someone who will score a lot of goals in europe. IMHO.

True, they were at their best with the 1 up front last season. With Crespo back I think Owen would be surplus to requirements, but who knows.

besty

personally, i wouldnt mind seeing him at united. it would spell the end of saha, but he has proven pedigree in the premiership and has a great relationship with rooney. he wouldnt cost too much, 8-10m perhaps and would fit into the quick, flowing man united attack fergie is trying to build with the new batch of talent!

Drag00n79

Everton

I'm surprised "staying put" is currently the most popular option in the poll, yet no one has yet posted stating this. Surely, this is the least likely scenario after the Real purchases this week.

PHB

Stay Put

Chelsea have tried to sign all the big name strikers and failed, none of them will either be sold or want to go to Chelsea, hence why Crespo wasn't sold.
Owen would be a great buy for Chelsea if they didn't play 4-3-3, but Owen doesn't have the strength to be a lone front man.

Jivin Turkey

Atari Jaguar

Shamrok wrote:

I'm surprised "staying put" is currently the most popular option in the poll, yet no one has yet posted stating this. Surely, this is the least likely scenario after the Real purchases this week.

I said it, and I think he will.

I cant see him leaving before January anyway unless he is told flat out that he isnt needed. I would imagine he would see it as a personal failure to just leave after one year. He was content to force his way into the side last year from the bench, I dont see what has changed this year.

PHB

Stay Put

The signing of two strikers

Jivin Turkey

Atari Jaguar

PHB wrote:

The signing of two strikers

But Figo is out of the picture now. So there is only a net gain in attacking personnel of one.

Particularly given a club like Madrids track record with signings, how do we know Luxemburgo even wants these players?

PHB

Stay Put

Sorry, how is Figo out of the picture?
He is still there

So even if Owen had pushed himself ahead of Figo, thats still being fought over.
Then Baptista and Robinho are involved.

Whether Luxemburgo wants them or not is another question, he has them, and will use them

Drag00n79

Everton

Jivin Turkey wrote:

But Figo is out of the picture now. So there is only a net gain in attacking personnel of one.

Particularly given a club like Madrids track record with signings, how do we know Luxemburgo even wants these players?

I agree with you that Ronaldo's departure would be no surprise and that could see him staying put, but the lad seems to want to return home according to all reports.

Jivin Turkey

Atari Jaguar

PHB wrote:

Sorry, how is Figo out of the picture?
He is still there

Because he was told he can leave for free, he said if no one comes in he will stay and fight for his place, but Luxemburgo has said he is not in his plans.

PHB wrote:

So even if Owen had pushed himself ahead of Figo, thats still being fought over. Then Baptista and Robinho are involved.

Owen is ahead of Figo its not being fought over. Owen is more settled now which will help him this year. Im not saying he is definitely going to lead the line from start to finish, but he is not the type of player to pack his bags at the first bit of competition as demonstrated last year.

PHB wrote:

Whether Luxemburgo wants them or not is another question, he has them, and will use them

Can we not apply this logic to Michael Owen? Or does he fall out of this net for some reason?

Pepe LeFrits

Newcastle

What does Figo have to do with Michael Owen staying at Real Madrid? Since when did they play in the same position?

Even if Raul is played out of position, Owen will be fourth choice striker behind Ronaldo, Robinho and Baptista. If he stays, he may as well give up on any WC2006 hopes.

Pepe LeFrits

Newcastle

I voted for Arsenal, though in truth he could join any of the top premiership teams. Great player, not so sure he'll be what Arsenal need though.

Chong

Arsenal

I would love to Michael at Man U with roon and RVN. I think the signing of Baptista rules out RVN going to Real.

thejollyrodger

Newcastle

I think he might hang around Reál for another season if he doesnt get a top club in England. Man Utd or Arsenal I reckon if he does go

Jivin Turkey

Atari Jaguar

kaids wrote:

What does Figo have to do with Michael Owen staying at Real Madrid? Since when did they play in the same position?

Michael Owen got into the team towards the end of last season at the expense of Figo. Madrid adpoted their style accordingly.

kaids wrote:

Even if Raul is played out of position, Owen will be fourth choice striker behind Ronaldo, Robinho and Baptista. If he stays, he may as well give up on any WC2006 hopes.

Owen will start for England in the World Cup (assuming he is fit) regardless of his club situation. I mean who is going to take his place? Crouch? Vassell? Heskey?

ianomccabe

Arsenal

Jivin Turkey wrote:

He was content to force his way into the side last year from the bench, I dont see what has changed this year.

What's changed this year is that he is crazy to come home to england. Might be seen to be a personal failure to go back to Liverpool but not to another northern english club :cool:

Pepe LeFrits

Newcastle

Jivin Turkey wrote:

Michael Owen got into the team towards the end of last season at the expense of Figo. Madrid adpoted their style accordingly.


Owen will start for England in the World Cup (assuming he is fit) regardless of his club situation. I mean who is going to take his place? Crouch? Vassell? Heskey?

Are they now going to adopt their style to play 5 strikers?

If Owen isn't playing next season he won't start in the World Cup. All it takes is one of his rivals to have a good season and he's out. Defoe would seem the most likely candidate at the moment.

Davei141

kaids wrote:

Are they now going to adopt their style to play 5 strikers?

If Owen isn't playing next season he won't start in the World Cup. All it takes is one of his rivals to have a good season and he's out. Defoe would seem the most likely candidate at the moment.

Defore isnt proven at international level, owen is the best striker england have, hes never going to be dropped for the world cup.

RuggieBear

Newcastle

He had better not go to Arsenal anyway, i'm already less than impressed with him. I don't mind if he comes back to us but if he goes to Man U it might make me angry, and you won't like it when i'm angry!

Pepe LeFrits

Newcastle

Davei141 wrote:

Defore isnt proven at international level, owen is the best striker england have, hes never going to be dropped for the world cup.

Time to state the obvious: the world cup is a year away.

Jivin Turkey

Atari Jaguar

kaids wrote:

Are they now going to adopt their style to play 5 strikers?

I dont know. Whats your point? My point was just in response to your question about the relevance of Figo's situation to MO.

kaids wrote:

If Owen isn't playing next season he won't start in the World Cup. All it takes is one of his rivals to have a good season and he's out. Defoe would seem the most likely candidate at the moment.

He will, he is vice-captain of the team. Himself and Beckham are assured starting berths if fit regardless of club situation.

Owen was not playing regularly at the beginning of last season but yet captained England in a competitive match. In fact he had played five full games for England by the middle of October but only a little over 200 minutes for RM (just over two full games). He WC place is assured.

Pepe LeFrits

Newcastle

Jivin Turkey wrote:

I dont know. Whats your point? My point was just in response to your question about the relevance of Figo's situation to MO.

I think my point is blindingly obvious.

He will, he is vice-captain of the team. Himself and Beckham are assured starting berths if fit regardless of club situation.

Owen was not playing regularly at the beginning of last season but yet captained England in a competitive match. In fact he had played five full games for England by the middle of October but only a little over 200 minutes for RM (just over two full games). He WC place is assured.

He came quite close to losing his spot back then. The media were calling for it but Sven instead tried to accomodate both Defoe and Owen. Owen looks like he'll play even less next season, instead of having to compete with Ronaldo and Raul for places he'll have to compete with Robinho and Julio Baptista too. Zidane has to be accomodated in an attacking role somewhere also.

Meanwhile, Defoe is soon to turn 23 will probably be banging them in regularily for a fancied Spurs. If Owen sits in the stands or on the bench all season he won't even be match fit next summer.

Jivin Turkey

Atari Jaguar

kaids wrote:

He came quite close to losing his spot back then. The media were calling for it but Sven instead tried to accomodate both Defoe and Owen.

This demonstrates my point on Owen's untouchability.

Im not saying that he shouldnt be dropped, Im just saying that SGE will not do it.

kaids wrote:

Owen looks like he'll play even less next season, instead of having to compete with Ronaldo and Raul for places he'll have to compete with Robinho and Julio Baptista too. Zidane has to be accomodated in an attacking role somewhere also.

Last year he competed with Ronaldo, Raul, Morientes, and Figo. Morientes is gone. Figo is out of the managers plans. Robinho and Baptista are in. Owen will still get plenty of opportunity to play if he stays.

kaids wrote:

Meanwhile, Defoe is soon to turn 23 will probably be banging them in regularily for a fancied Spurs. If Owen sits in the stands or on the bench all season he won't even be match fit next summer.

I admit Defoe slipped my mind. He is the only player who could currently touch the current England front two (apart from someone like Crouch who provides an additional option). That said, even if Defoe has a storming season, I still think SGE will persist with MO as his record speaks for itself.

evilhomer

Everton

kaids wrote:

Meanwhile, Defoe is soon to turn 23 will probably be banging them in regularily for a fancied Spurs. If Owen sits in the stands or on the bench all season he won't even be match fit next summer.

Have to agree with you kaids, there are plenty of International matches between now and the World Cup for Defoe to prove himself (or Crouch for that matter).

I'm not going to say that Owen won't make the England Squad, I believe He will be on the plane rergardless (He is a class act). But if He doesn't play regular football this season He won't start in June, simple as that.

Pepe LeFrits

Newcastle

Jivin Turkey wrote:

This demonstrates my point on Owen's untouchability.

Im not saying that he shouldnt be dropped, Im just saying that SGE will not do it.

That's probably a fair assessment, however I think it could also show that, at that point in time, he couldn't decide between the two and had to play them both. Suggesting that Defoe is close to Owen, so he'll need to be looking over his shoulder this season.

Last year he competed with Ronaldo, Raul, Morientes, and Figo. Morientes is gone. Figo is out of the managers plans. Robinho and Baptista are in. Owen will still get plenty of opportunity to play if he stays.

It's hardly a direct swap in players though. Forgetting about Raul for a second, Owen will still be stuck behind 3 Brazillian strikers (managed by a Brazillian manager where there seems to be a bit of bias).

Anyway, I'll leave it at that. We've both got our views and they obviously aren't going to change. We could go round and round in circles and never get anywhere, but I think it's time to go out and get half steamed instead

Jivin Turkey

Atari Jaguar

kaids wrote:

We could go round and round in circles and never get anywhere, but I think it's time to go out and get half steamed instead

Very wise words, apart from with the GF away it will be full steam ahead for some of us

Davei141

kaids wrote:

It's hardly a direct swap in players though. Forgetting about Raul for a second, Owen will still be stuck behind 3 Brazillian strikers (managed by a Brazillian manager where there seems to be a bit of bias).

Well, if real lose their first match they will have a new manager.