Jarrod Bowen Tipped to Replace Mohamed Salah as Liverpool FC Eye Summer Reinforcements

As Mohamed Salah edges closer to leaving Liverpool this summer, former Reds striker Michael Owen believes the club already has a clear solution in mind. According to Owen, Jarrod Bowen would be the perfect addition to replace the outgoing forward on the right side of attack.

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‎Michael Owen has praised Jarrod Bowen as Liverpool’s ideal Mohamed Salah replacement amid concerns over budget and squad balance.

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During an appearance on talkSPORT Breakfast, Owen admitted he had recently told friends that Bowen would be his first-choice signing for Liverpool. The former forward highlighted the admiration West Ham United FC supporters have for their captain, while suggesting relegation could make a move possible.

“How did you know? I told a couple of my mates yesterday that he’s the one player I would sign,” Owen said. “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.”

Owen went on to describe Bowen as an “absolutely brilliant” player after working with him during a television striker masterclass last season. He praised the attacker’s ability with either foot, his delivery from set-pieces, pace and finishing quality.

“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,” Owen explained. “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 recruitment strategy this summer could be heavily influenced by financial limitations after substantial spending last year. Owen believes the club only requires minor adjustments overall, but insists replacing Salah must remain the top priority for Arne Slot and the club hierarchy.

“They are going to have to do only a little bit of surgery on the team; they have spent a fortune [last year],” Owen said. “But they are going to have to replace Salah, that's the first port of call.”

The former striker acknowledged Liverpool possess several attacking alternatives, mentioning Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Cody Gakpo, Florian Wirtz and youngster Rio Ngumoha. However, he stressed there is currently no natural replacement for Salah’s influence from the right wing.

Any attempt to sign Bowen may depend on West Ham’s league status and Liverpool’s available budget. The club could be forced to pursue value in the transfer market, similar to previous successful deals involving Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.

Former Reds winger Jermaine Pennant also spoke about the club’s finances and tactical direction under Slot. Pennant suggested Liverpool may need to adapt their approach next season to improve performances and results with the current squad.