Real: Mikey can go

[redsoxliberal]

OWEN'S REAL FUTURE IN DOUBT
SKY Sports 31 July 2005

Michael Owen's future at Real Madrid has been thrown into considerable doubt following the arrivals of Julio Baptista and Robinho in consecutive days at the Bernabeu.

The two talented Brazilians have been added to Los Merengues squad as they look to end a two-year trophy drought, and the arrival of the two forwards may well have signalled the end of Owen's adventure in Spain.

Despite maintaining an impressive goals-to-minutes ratio in La Liga Owen found himself third choice striker for much of last season, and could now conceivably be perceived as just fifth in the pecking order by Real coach Wanderley Luxemburgo.

The Brazilian tactician now has a potent triumvirate of his countrymen in attack, the two new-boys joining established icon Ronaldo, as well as club hero Raul.

Widespread speculation in the English press on Sunday suggests that Owen is set to leave the Bernabeu, with Manchester United purportedly in the driving seat to secure the signature of the England international, particularly given that next summer sees the 2006 World Cup Finals in Germany.

Arsenal are also believed to be interested in bringing the 25-year-old back to the Premiership arena where he proved to be a player to strike fear into the hearts of defenders with Liverpool.

Indeed The Reds, along with ambitious Newcastle, are also reportedly monitoring the status of their former charge after his 13 goals in 20 starts failed to earn him an elevated status in Spain.

Real are not expected to stand in Owen's way should he desire a return to England, and a potential loan move has been slated as Sir Alex Ferguson leads the chase for the 2001 European Footballer of the Year.

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/mediawatch/drilldown/MW8668050731-1304.htm

[nickgutierrez]

1. Prediction: Newcastle, on a season long loan.

Followed by a purchase next offseason.

[Byronic]

2. Man United are hovering

but Owen going there would seem rather strange, almost unnatural. Owen in a Manchester United shirt.....stranger things have happened I suppose, but I can't imagine the Kop being very forgiving. If he went to Arsenal, no problem, Newcastle, definitely no problem, Man Utd? There are limits.

By the way, Redsoxliberal, as a Liverpool fan, what is your view on this?

Do you want Mickey back?

[redsoxliberal]

3. yes, very much so

a very proven, world class striker who knows the team fairly well already. In a heartbeat.
You?

[Byronic]

4. I'm not exactly a Liverpool fan

although they are my favourite Premiership club. In my opinion it is rather frustrating that Owen isn't already back on a plane heading to Merseyside. Liverpool have an option on him and obviously they have chosen not to exercise it. I get the feeling that the board want Owen back, but Benitez does not.

I don't know if you saw the game last night (and I know the season hasn't really started yet) but Liverpool looked quite bland up front. Morientes was disappointing (as he has been since his move to Anfield, in all honesty) and Peter Crouch left the field with a strain. Cisse looked good and it was great to see him back and healthy, but I think Liverpool may lack sparkle up front this year, something Owen provides in abundance.

Still, all is not lost. Baros looks like he will be farmed out (possibly across Stanley Park to Everton!), and La Tallec joined Sunderland on loan yesterday, which WOULD leave space for a certain England striker pining for home....

But, perhaps first things first, Benitez needs a new central defender urgently. Hyypia and Carragher lack pace and their only back-up at the moment is Zak Whitbread. A scary thought.

[redsoxliberal]

5. great analysis

rather telling that they haven't been dominating pretty crap teams until Gerrard gets subbed on late in the second half in a couple of games now.
Luckily, there has been a fair amount of buzz today to say that Owen is coming back to the Reds once a deal is negotiated to get rid of Baros.