Former England striker Michael Owen believes Liverpool can challenge defending champions Arsenal for the Premier League title despite a summer of major changes at Anfield.
Speaking to Daily Mail Sport, Owen insisted that the Reds possess top quality players and could add further signings before the transfer window closes, making another title push entirely possible.
Liverpool begin their campaign on Sunday with a late kick-off against Newcastle United at St James' Park, marking the start of a new era under former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola.
Title Contenders and Managerial Changes
Iraola was appointed following the dismissal of Arne Slot in May. Slot guided Liverpool to the Premier League trophy in his debut 2024/25 season, but paid the price when the club finished fifth last term.
The Merseyside club has experienced substantial squad turnover during the off-season. Star forward Mohamed Salah departed for Turkey, while midfielder Curtis Jones was sold, ending a long-standing homegrown presence in the squad.
Despite the upheaval, Owen insists Liverpool remain potential title contenders. "It wouldn't be the biggest surprise if Liverpool won the league," Owen told Daily Mail Sport. "They've certainly got some great players and the opportunity of one or two joining as well in the next week or two. It's absolutely not out the question."
Questions Over Premier League Rivals
Owen noted that while defending champions Arsenal appear to be the most complete side, nearly every other top club faces significant uncertainty entering the new season.
"Arsenal have got the better credentials at the moment," Owen said. "They had a good season last season and look very solid. With virtually every other team, there are big questions."
Addressing rival contenders, Owen highlighted major changes across the league. Manchester City have lost manager Pep Guardiola and midfielder Rodri, which Owen described as two huge blows. Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur enter the campaign under new managerial leadership, while Manchester United must adapt to extra fixtures while coping without midfielder Casemiro.
"I don't think there are any question marks about Arsenal," Owen explained. "Whereas Manchester City have lost Pep Guardiola and Rodri. That's two huge blows. Liverpool have a new manager and with Salah leaving, there are big questions over where the goals are going to come from."
He added: "Chelsea and Tottenham have new managers. Can United cope with the extra games they'll have this season? They've also lost Casemiro. There are big questions about virtually every team bar Arsenal, but it wouldn't be a surprise at all if Liverpool had a good season."
Attacking Pressure on Alexander Isak
The focus on Sunday shifts to striker Alexander Isak, who returns to St James' Park for the first time since leaving Newcastle United for Liverpool in a then British record £125 million transfer.
The Swedish international faced an injury-plagued first season at Anfield, but Owen expects him to play a crucial role this term, particularly given Liverpool's current attacking shortages.
"I love him. He's some player," Owen said of Isak. "I don't think Isak is a question. He's proven as it comes. He's done it for a long period of time. He's done it in the Premier League. He's done it in the big games. I think he's an exceptional player, but obviously injuries can occur and that was a nightmare for him in his first season."
With Salah gone and French forward Hugo Ekitike unavailable through injury, Owen emphasized that Isak's role is critical. "He really needs to be at the top of his game because with Salah gone and Ekitike out, Liverpool have limited options in attacking areas," Owen added. "So, the focus on Isak has really become even more important."
Upheaval and New Eras at Newcastle
Newcastle United are also undergoing a major transition following the departure of head coach Eddie Howe. German manager Matthias Jaissle has taken charge, stepping into his first coaching role in English football.
The Tyneside club experienced significant player turnover over the summer, with key figures Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, and Anthony Gordon all departing St James' Park.
Owen reflected on the contrast between both clubs compared to twelve months prior, when Liverpool were reigning champions and Newcastle had won a cup while competing in the Champions League.
"Neither of those clubs are in the position they were this time last year," Owen said. "One was reigning champions and one had just won a cup and was in the Champions League. For both teams, last season was a bit of a downturn. It's a new manager for both teams, lots of new players and lots of questions to answer. It's a big season ahead."
Off the Pitch With Meet the Owens
Owen, who represented Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle United, Manchester United, and England during his playing career, spoke ahead of the launch of his family's new documentary series, Meet the Owens.
The six-part Amazon Prime Video series focuses on the Owen family's life in football and horse racing, featuring his daughter Gemma, who previously starred on the reality show Love Island.
All six episodes of Meet the Owens will be available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video starting August 28.
