Michael Owen believes Liverpool need to strengthen their squad if they are to challenge for the Premier League title under new manager Andoni Iraola, but the signing of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain could prove decisive. The former Reds striker has predicted Arsenal will retain the title, with Liverpool finishing as runners-up.
Owen's title verdict
Speaking to the Metro, Owen said: "I think there can be a few title challengers this season. You look at Arsenal’s points tally and it wasn’t in the nineties so they only have to drop a little and with Chelsea not in Europe, they can mount a challenge."
"New managers at Liverpool and (Manchester) City could hit a good run of form early on and be in with a shout as well. Tottenham have signed well too. So Arsenal are favourites for sure, but it’s not a foregone conclusion that they win it comfortably."
Liverpool's new era under Iraola
Liverpool won the 2024/25 Premier League title with weeks to spare, but struggled last season and finished fifth, which was enough to secure Champions League football. That performance cost Arne Slot his job, and Iraola has taken over after guiding Bournemouth to European qualification for the first time in their history.
Owen, who won five major honours with Liverpool and the 2001 Ballon d'Or, said: "Last season at Liverpool wasn’t great, the style of play wasn’t as good as it had been and they conceded far too many goals."
"But Slot leaving and Iraola replacing him means a new style of play. He brings a lot of excitement from the way he played at Bournemouth, but Liverpool are a much bigger club and the pressure mounts up now."
Barcola could be the difference
Owen added: "I do think Liverpool need more, but it looks like Barcola is the one they want and it will cost them a huge amount of money to get him in. But if they can do that and add more depth, more quality, then they can really challenge for the title."
Owen has predicted the final top six as: Arsenal champions, Liverpool second, Chelsea third, Manchester City fourth, Manchester United fifth, and a rejuvenated Tottenham Hotspur completing the top six.
