Everybody wins from Owen’s move to Stoke

Former-England and Manchester United striker Michael Owen completed a free transfer to Premier League Stoke City yesterday.

The 32 year-old had been linked with a return to his first club Liverpool, but the move never materialised.

Opportunity

Owen has to grasp this opportunity of playing in the top flight again. He has spent the majority of his United career on the treatment table or getting splinters on the United substitute bench.

Stoke are a good solid Premier League outfit and Owen seems to be delighted at completing the move. It was just the sort of move that was ideal for the striker.

Excited

Owen revealed his excitement on Twitter writing: “Delighted to have signed for Stoke subject to Premier League approval. We have been in talks for a while and it was a club I was always keen to join.

“I’m particularly excited at the prospect of working under Tony Pulis. He has assembled a great squad that I look forward to joining. I’m now looking forward to contributing as much as possible to the club and can’t wait to play in front of a great set of supporters.

“Thanks for your kind messages everyone. Can’t wait to get going again!”

Playing

Owen had been linked with a return to Merseyside with Liverpool and also their arch-rivals Everton. With all due respect to Stoke City I think he has a better chance of playing on a regular basis at the Britannia than he does at Goodison or Anfield.

If he would have joined Liverpool or Everton he would have probably only be used as a substitute and would hardly have been seen as first choice. At this point in his career Michael Owen needs to be playing regularly, if fit and that’s a big if.

Winning

According to reports Owen has signed a pay-as-you-play deal with Stoke. His injuries have hamstrung his career at times and have meant the striker spending long periods out of action.

The sort of that he is on was the only way he was ever going to get a new top flight club. He had a similar arrangement with Manchester United.

Goals

Wherever the veteran striker has gone he has scored goals, in-between the periods of being out injured of course. He is one of the finest predatory strikers England has ever produced. His only purpose for being on the pitch is sticking the ball in the back of the net.

Ex-Kop

Stoke is becoming a colony for ex-Liverpool players. Owen has joined former-Reds players Jermaine Pennant, Peter Crouch and now Charlie Adam at the Britannia Stadium. Stoke has become a sanctuary for players who were never really loved at Anfield.

Owen was loved at Liverpool, but his move to one of the Reds bitter-rivals Manchester United left a bitter taste in some fans mouths. There was mixed opinion on whether he should re-join Liverpool.

Approval

Owen is still waiting for approval from Premier League. The Premier League squad lists had to be submitted yesterday and Stoke was the only club out of the 20 top flight clubs not to submit a finalised list.

The Premier League is considering Stoke’s application to have Owen registered in their squad and the Potters are hopeful that they will be successful.

Ideal

Should Owen get the expected green light to start his Stoke career then I believe it will be an ideal move for everybody. Owen gets a club where he will get time on the pitch and that is close to his stables.

Stoke get a player that could help give them more goals, without a real risk because of the sort of deal he has signed with the club. Everyone’s a winner really and this could be a good move for all involved.

Is going to Stoke City the right move for Michael Owen?