Bold takeaway: transferring to Newcastle United was a regrettable turning point in my career, and the move that followed to Manchester United ultimately proved more satisfying.
A former Newcastle United star once described his North East switch as one of the biggest regrets of his playing days. Fasika Zelealem, Senior Sports Reporter, documented the story on March 4, 2026.
Michael Owen, the former England striker, had just spent a season at Real Madrid and hoped to return to Liverpool after a year away from Anfield. Yet a reunion with Liverpool never materialised, and he instead joined Newcastle United, with the Magpies paying a then-record fee of £16.8 million for his services.
The move had been facilitated by Liverpool legend Graeme Souness, who helped pave the path for Owen to move north. However, Owen later admitted in hindsight that this decision was a serious mistake for his career. In his 2019 book Reboot, serialized by the Mirror, he candidly stated that he never wanted to go to Newcastle: "My move to Newcastle was one I really regret - I should have followed my gut instincts from the start. I didn't want to go there - my heart was still set on a return to Liverpool. Liverpool couldn't match Newcastle's offer. From a career perspective, there was no doubt in my mind that a move to the North East was a downward step." He signed a four-year contract worth around £120,000 per week, and his unveiling drew about 20,000 fans.
Owen’s early excitement faded quickly due to persistent injuries. He later confessed that he didn’t invest in rebuilding his relationship with the St James’ Park faithful, a rift he felt had become unbridgeable after revisiting a match on Match of the Day. He recalled hearing Newcastle supporters chant, “what a waste of money!” as he was stretchered off, a moment he says irreparably altered his relationship with the club’s fans. In his words, he stopped trying to ingratiate himself with them.
The broader critique followed: Owen challenged the perception of Newcastle United as a “big club,” arguing that the club’s trophy cabinet did not reflect that status despite its large fanbase and iconic stadium. He framed the club as a powerhouse in publicity and attendance more than in silverware, noting limited success off the pitch and modest domestic trophies in recent times.
Since then, Newcastle United has won the Carabao Cup and has consistently competed for high honours, including a current push in European competition, with a last-16 showdown against Barcelona looming in the season in question.
Owen eventually moved on four years after joining Newcastle, transferring to Manchester United, where he would win the Premier League title in the 2010/11 season. Over his United spell, he scored 17 goals in 52 appearances before winding down his career with a season at Stoke City, where he contributed one goal in nine appearances.
As fans anticipate a new face-off between his former clubs, the Magpies aim to reverse a recent trend of poor results and reestablish themselves in both domestic and European contention.
Controversy note: the piece juxtaposes a celebrated forward’s high-profile transfer with harsh self-critique and a provocative claim about what constitutes a “big club.” This could spark debate about prestige versus silverware, player fit, and the lasting impact of transfer decisions. Do you agree that a club’s history of trophies is the true measure of being a “big club,” or should size, stadium, and fan base count just as much? Share your thoughts in the comments.
