Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen has named the player he believes the Reds should sign as a direct replacement for Mohamed Salah this summer, identifying West Ham's Jarrod Bowen as the ideal candidate
Kieran King Football Writer
18:41, 06 May 2026
Michael Owen has offered his opinion
Michael Owen has offered his opinion(Image: Getty Images)
Michael Owen has urged Liverpool to pursue West Ham skipper Jarrod Bowen as a replacement for Mohamed Salah, declaring: "I think he is brilliant."
The Reds are on the lookout for a new right winger, with Salah set to depart at the end of the season. The 33-year-old Egyptian, who has scored 257 goals in 440 appearances since his arrival from Roma in 2017, confirmed back in March that he would be leaving Anfield after nine years this summer.
Bowen has since emerged as a leading contender to step into Salah's shoes at Liverpool. The 29-year-old England international has contributed eight goals and 10 assists in 35 Premier League outings for West Ham this campaign.
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Having consistently impressed for the Hammers since his move from Hull in 2020, former Reds striker Owen believes Bowen is the closest available like-for-like replacement for Salah.
When asked whether he would welcome Bowen to Liverpool, Owen told talkSPORT: "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.
Jarrod Bowen could leave West Ham this summer
Jarrod Bowen could leave West Ham this summer(Image: Getty Images)
"I was lucky enough to do like a striking master class 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 available at a bargain price should West Ham be relegated from the Premier League.
The Hammers are the bookies' favorites to drop into the Championship after Nuno Espirito Santo's team fell into the relegation zone following a 3-0 hammering at Brentford and Tottenham's 2-1 win over Aston Villa.
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The former Hereford player has scored 84 goals in 277 appearances for the Hammers at the London Stadium, and significant interest in his services is expected this summer.
Although Bowen is set to turn 30 in December, he still has four years left on his West Ham contract and could be brought in for around £30 million ($40.8 million) this summer.
That would constitute outstanding value for the Reds and demonstrate astute business as they aim to mount a title challenge once more next season.