A former Liverpool legend has revealed how they came close to signing for city rivals Everton after spending a day with David Moyes.
The Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton is one of English football’s most iconic rivalries, steeped in history, passion, and local pride. First contested on 13th October 1894, the rivalry stems from the clubs’ shared roots as Liverpool Football Club was formed after a dispute, and eventual split, at Everton.
Since football resumed after the Second World War, only 13 players have played for both clubs, including Nick Barmby, Steve McMahon and Peter Beardsley.
The most recent player to don both the red and blue shirts during their career was Abel Xavier after making the switch to Liverpool from Everton for £750,000 in 2002, but one former Red has admitted how they were prepared to join the Toffees in 2009 after flying to America to meet David Moyes.
Speaking candidly on Simon Jordan’s podcast ‘Up Front’, Michael Owen shared how he knew the move would raise eyebrows.
“When I ran out of contract at Newcastle, I was on a Bosman, I phoned Carra [Jamie Carragher] and I said, ‘speak to the manager and see if he fancies me’. And he said, ‘No, we’re just about to sign David N’Gog’. Basically they didn’t need me.
After that, when Liverpool say no, what do you want me to do?
My options were Hull City, Everton and Manchester United. They were the three teams in the Premier League that came in. I had my stint away, I didn’t want to go anywhere else.
And now I’m thinking, Everton, I’m going to get absolutely [gets cut off].
But I was prepared to sign for Everton. I flew to America, played golf with David Moyes, spent a whole day with him. I was a boyhood Everton fan, I’m going to be hated now, but I’ve got no option.”
Owen scored 158 goals in 297 appearances during a glittering eight-year spell at Liverpool before leaving for Real Madrid in 2004. After one season in Spain, the Ballon d’Or winner returned to England with Newcastle United. His contract expired in 2009 and he was keen to remain in the Premier League.
Despite speaking to Moyes over a move to Everton, Owen was ultimately convinced to join Manchester United by Sir Alex Ferguson.
“I landed home and within a day Nicky Butt phoned me and said, ‘Just so you know Sir Alex [Ferguson] is going to call you. He wants to sign you.’
Of course I’m thinking Liverpool fans are going to hate me, but what can I do?”
Owen went on to spend three seasons at Manchester United, scoring 17 goals in 52 appearances and winning the Premier League title in 2010–11. However, the move further damaged his already fragile relationship with Liverpool supporters, many of whom were already disappointed by his departure in 2004.
The former England star’s legacy at Liverpool is complicated. On the pitch, he remains one of the club’s all-time greats. He burst onto the scene as a 17-year-old prodigy in 1996 and went on to win the FA Cup, UEFA Cup, UEFA Super Cup, two League Cups and a Community Shield with the Reds. His remarkable 2000–01 season earned him the Ballon d’Or, beating the likes of Raúl and Oliver Kahn.
After growing up as an Everton fan, that childhood allegiance surely played a role in Owen’s willingness to consider a move to Goodison Park, despite the obvious implications it would have for his Anfield legacy.
In the end, the move never materialised, but the fact that Owen came within touching distance of signing for both of Liverpool’s fiercest rivals in the same summer only adds another layer of intrigue to one of English football’s most divisive careers.
Whether Liverpool fans forgive him or not, Michael Owen’s story offers a fascinating glimpse into the crossroads players face at the highest level. As he admitted himself: “What can I do?”
For better or worse, it was a decision that shaped the final years of his career and left a lasting impact on his relationship with the club where it all began.
