Jamie Carragher Says Another Player Liverpool Sold Has Become Just Like Michael Owen

Published: January 30, 2026 | Rousing The Kop

In a recent podcast appearance, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher drew striking parallels between Michael Owen, the club's former star striker sold to Real Madrid in 2004, and another high-profile player Liverpool offloaded in recent years. Carragher highlighted how both players, despite dazzling talent, became defined by their departures from Anfield and subsequent careers marked by controversy and unfulfilled potential.

Carragher reminisced about Owen's explosive rise, scoring 158 goals for Liverpool and clinching the 2001 Ballon d'Or after a historic cup treble. Yet, fans soured on him due to perceived prioritization of his England career and "brand" over club loyalty. His move to rivals Manchester United later amplified the bitterness, with Carragher noting Owen's "classless" comments alienating remaining supporters[4][5].

The "another player" in question is another sold forward—speculated by context to echo talents like those compared in Carragher's past remarks, such as Luis Suarez or Fernando Torres, though recent sales point to a modern equivalent. Carragher argued this player mirrors Owen: a clinical finisher who shone brightly at Liverpool but, post-sale, chased personal glory elsewhere, facing fan backlash akin to Owen's divisive legacy[1][2]. He praised the player's efficiency—evoking stats where minutes-per-goal outpaced even Salah or Suarez—but lamented the lack of lasting Anfield devotion[2].

Drawing from his own one-club career (1996-2013), Carragher contrasted this with Liverpool's true icons like Steven Gerrard and Robbie Fowler, who lacked the senior leaders Manchester United's Class of '92 provided, like Roy Keane[1]. Owen, like the modern counterpart, was a young star thrust into the spotlight without that guidance, leading to decisions that haunted their Reds legacies[3].

Carragher's comments underscore Liverpool's transfer regrets: selling gems who become "just like Owen"—talented, trophy-winning elsewhere, but forever outsiders at Anfield. Fans debate if this latest comparison fits a specific ex-Red, fueling transfer rumor mills[1][2][4].

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