Owen to Premiership? Owen to Newcastle

"Owen Signs Four-Year Deal with Magpies"

After months of speculation, it is finally confirmed that English wonder boy (wonder if I still could call him that, he's 25 now) is returning to England with Newcastle United. I read the headline with disbelief. Few months ago, Owen has got his name linked to several leading clubs in England, namely Arsenal, MU, Liverpool and even Chelsea.

It is really a surprise that there is no other club who would bid for Owen's signature. Arsene Wenger was the first to openly to admit his admiration on Owen's ability, but he will have no place for the England striker. He claimed that he has already got Frenchman Thierry Henry, who plays very similarly to Michael Owen. Manchester United was reported to say that they will have the money to fund Michael Owen's transfer should Sir Alex wants the England striker. With the way they are playing at the moment, scoring 11 goals and yet to concede a goal in all competitive matches this season, they show that they do not really need Michael Owen after all. Liverpool is understood to refuse to match the asking price from Real Madrid, reported to be 17 million pound. The European champion has other department to invest on, to strengthen their squad for their challenge in the season. As for Chelsea, I don't think they really need a striker anyways. Their wingers and midfielders have done more than enough to cover their striker's ass woes.

That left Owen with no choice, but to sign with bottom-tabled Newcastle United. He desperately needs to get his bum off Real's bench, and Newcastle desperately needs to start scoring goal (they have yet to find the net in all the premiership game this season).

Speaking of Newcastle United, Graeme Souness may have gotten away from the axe in August. He may think that it is a sign a relief. But, true nightmare begins now. Despite late acquisition of Owen and Nolberto Solano before the closure of transfer window on 31st August. The Toons are doubtful to able to ignite the spark they have had some 10 years ago. Realistically, they could be in relegation dogfight this season. Jean-Alain Boumsong had displayed comical error, which Rooney fully capitalized on the chances given in MU's recent 2 nil success in St. James' Park. Rooney scored the first and set up the second for strike partner Ruud.

Alan Shearer is no longer a 15-20 goal per season striker. He's ageing already. Should Souness be sacked this season. I can see that the successor would automatically be Alan Shearer.

Only God knows how the Magpies' fate will turn out to be. For sure, he may have kept his job beyond August, but Graeme Souness' nightmare has just begun. Owen's four-year contract, may not last that long, if Newcastle fails to spark, or if they are relegated (hard to imagine, but that was what happened to Leeds few years ago)

We'll see how it goes. International break this weekend. World Cup qualifiers up next.


Prediction for the season?
English Barclays Premier League:
Champions: MU (simply becos I am an MU supporter, and that they are playing pretty well this far)
Runners-up: Arsenal
**Haha.. Biased! I don't like Chelsea anyways..

Spanish:
Champions: Barca
Runners-up: Real Madrid
**It will be tight this season...

Italy:
Champions: Inter Milan
Runners-up: Juventus
**Inter looks sizzling hot with Adriano, Figo and some recruit from Real Mdrid.