Former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood has suggested Jarrod Bowen could be the perfect replacement for Mohamed Salah at Liverpool.
The West Ham star has endured a somewhat tricky start to the season, although he did play a pivotal role in the Hammers claiming a much-needed win over Wolves recently. Bowen provided the assist for Tomas Soucek’s opener before grabbing the winner, easing the pressure on his manager Julen Lopetegui in the process.
The 27-year-old is no stranger when it comes to being linked with Liverpool - in fact, former Reds boss Jurgen Klopp made no secret of his admiration for the England international, having described him as his “favorite player” outside of his own squad.
With Salah’s future still up in the air after being offered a new contract at Anfield, Bowen would be a natural replacement for the Egyptian, given he is also a left-footed right winger. Speaking on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday at the weekend, Sherwood believes it will be impossible for West Ham to keep hold of their prized possession.
“He’s a Liverpool player,” Sherwood said. “By the way, Jarrod Bowen, West Ham ain’t keeping hold of him are they. What a player that kid is.”
While Klopp was a big fan of Bowen, current Liverpool boss Arne Slot hasn’t made his feelings on the winger known. In any case, the Reds could find it difficult to bring him to Anfield if there is any interest there.
Jurgen Klopp was a big fan of Jarrod Bowen during his time as Liverpool manager
Jurgen Klopp was a big fan of Jarrod Bowen during his time as Liverpool manager (Image: Getty Images)
Bowen signed a seven-year deal at West Ham just over a year ago, keeping him in East London until 2030. What’s more, there is reportedly no release clause included in the deal, meaning Liverpool would likely have to shell out a hefty amount to secure his services.
Liverpool.com says: Bowen is obviously admired by a lot of Liverpool fans already. After all, if Klopp loves you that much, you’re obviously doing something right as a player.
He hasn’t been in the best form this season though, and that seven-year contract will not make things easy if the Reds do decide he could be a replacement for Salah, which is debatable in itself.
At 27, Bowen is probably older than the sort of player Liverpool would want, especially if Salah ends up leaving in the summer. He turns 28 later this week, so all in all, it doesn’t look like a deal Liverpool would be interested in now, whatever Sherwood says.