Jarrod Bowen Tipped to Replace Mohamed Salah as Liverpool FC Eye Summer Reinforcements
Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen has named Jarrod Bowen as his preferred option to fill the void left by Mohamed Salah. With the Egyptian expected to leave Anfield this summer, attention has already shifted toward finding a reliable replacement on the right flank.
Michael Owen believes Jarrod Bowen is the ideal replacement for Mohamed Salah as Liverpool FC prepare for a crucial summer rebuild.
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Speaking on talkSPORT Breakfast, Owen revealed he had already discussed Bowen as the player he would target for Liverpool. The former Ballon d’Or winner explained that the West Ham United FC captain would suit the club perfectly if the Hammers suffer relegation.
Owen said: “How did you know? I told a couple of my mates yesterday that he’s the one player I would sign. Obviously he’s a legend of a player, West Ham adore the man, and rightly so, but if they go down, he would be the right fit for Liverpool.”
The ex-England international also praised Bowen’s all-round attacking qualities and believes the forward has everything needed to thrive under Arne Slot next season.
“I think he’s absolutely brilliant,” Owen explained. “I was lucky enough to do a striker masterclass for a TV show with him last season and I couldn’t believe how good he was with both feet, taking corners, his pace and he's a top finisher. He’s a brilliant player who I would take to the World Cup. I don’t want to upset West Ham fans but if they go down, he would be my ideal choice to replace Salah.”
Liverpool’s need for a natural right-sided attacker has become increasingly important despite major spending over the last transfer window. Owen pointed out that while the squad contains several attacking options, there is still nobody who offers the same profile as Salah.
Reflecting on the club’s squad planning, Owen stated: “They are going to have to do only a little bit of surgery on the team; they have spent a fortune [last year]. I know they recouped a lot of money last year, but they spent a lot of it, and I doubt they have any left to spend it again. But they are going to have to replace Salah, that's the first port of call.”
He also referenced attacking names such as Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Cody Gakpo, Florian Wirtz and youngster Rio Ngumoha, but stressed that none naturally occupy Salah’s role on the right wing.
A move for Bowen could still prove difficult financially, especially if West Ham remain in the Premier League. Liverpool may need to rely on smart recruitment similar to the deals that previously brought players like Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino to Anfield.
Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant also questioned how much money will be available to Slot ahead of next season. Pennant said: “I don't think we're going to have that massive budget. We've got two good defenders coming back, which is a blessing. We'll have Conor Bradley coming back as well, which is great news as well for next season. We've got to give them money because the same Slot system is not going to work. So with the group that we've got, I personally believe that a new style, the 'old Liverpool way', would get a better tune out of these players and better performances and better results.”
