Liverpool have a mammoth task of replacing Mohamed Salah, with the Egyptian set to depart once the season ends. Despite having a year left on his deal, the legendary winger is expected to leave on a free transfer when the window opens, as a move to Saudi Arabia might be on the cards.
However, an ideal replacement will be needed in the summer, with Liverpool assessing several names across the board. Michael Olise, Maghnes Akliouche, Yan Diomande and Anthony Gordon are a few of the suggestions appearing in media reports, but a new name has been mentioned by one of their former stars.
Michael Owen, while in conversation with talkSPORT, suggested the name of Jarrod Bowen as an option Liverpool should consider pursuing as Salah’s replacement.
When asked about whether Liverpool should pursue Bowen, Owen was a bit surprised and said, “How do you know? I have said that to a couple of my mates the other day. I said, if I had one player. Now, obviously, Jarrod Bowen’s a legend of a player, West Ham, you know, adore the man, and rightly so.”
“But, if West Ham went down, he would fit for me.”
“I think he’s absolutely brilliant. I was lucky enough to do like a striking masterclass for a TV show we did last season with him, and I couldn’t believe it. Honestly, left foot, right foot, bang, bang, corners, pace. I mean, a real top finisher.”
“I think he’s a brilliant player. I would be taking him to the World Cup, and, as I say, you know, I don’t want to upset West Ham fans, but if they went down, then he would be my idea of somebody to replace Salah.”
Bowen could be an interesting option as a Salah replacement, especially if West Ham go down in the relegation battle. The experienced Hammers skipper has been performing at a consistent level, and, stylistically, he could be ideal for Liverpool, given the similarities in the way he plays to the Egyptian.
West Ham are unwilling to sell Bowen despite fears of relegation, as they view players like their captain as key to their efforts to return to the Premier League straight away. They also have ample power in keeping the 29-year-old English international, given he is tied to the London Stadium until 2030.
Either way, it would take a big offer, irrespective of where West Ham are, to prise Bowen away from the club. Liverpool are not actively linked with a move for the Hammers skipper, but they might take Owen’s suggestion with some seriousness and probably consider the idea.
