Michael Owen has named the player he feels is the perfect candidate to replace Liverpool icon Mohamed Salah when he leaves Anfield - and Jurgen Klopp has already given his opinion
Paul Gorst Liverpool FC correspondent
07:34, 08 May 2026Updated 07:42, 08 May 2026
Jurgen Klopp is a huge fan of West Ham's Jarrod Bowen
Jurgen Klopp is a huge fan of West Ham's Jarrod Bowen(Image: PETER POWELL, AFP via Getty Images)
Michael Owen has put forward West Ham United's Jarrod Bowen as the perfect candidate to fill Mohamed Salah's boots at Liverpool, and Jurgen Klopp seems to agree with him.
Salah will depart Anfield after nine illustrious years at the close of this month, having confirmed in March that this would be his final season with the club. Liverpool is now scouring the market ahead of bringing in at least one attacking player during the summer transfer window.
RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande is among those being monitored, while Juventus winger Francisco Conceicao has also been linked with a switch to Anfield. Owen, who was the leading goalscorer in the Liverpool side that claimed the UEFA Cup, FA Cup and League Cup 25 years ago under Gerard Houllier, believes West Ham's Bowen is the standout option.
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"I have said that to a couple of my mates the other day. I said, if I had one player," Owen told talkSPORT. "Now, obviously, Jarrod Bowen's a legend of a player, West Ham, you know, adore the man, and rightly so.", reports the Liverpool Echo.
"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."
Jarrod Bowen has been linked with a move to Liverpool
Jarrod Bowen has been linked with a move to Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Owen's admiration for Bowen mirrors the glowing tributes previously paid by Jurgen Klopp, who during his time at the helm of the Reds, was always forthcoming in expressing his regard for Bowen.
Ahead of a Carabao Cup fixture between the sides in December 2023, Klopp described the England international as "probably my favourite player besides my players."
These remarks followed the former Liverpool manager's earlier praise of Bowen in November 2021, when he said: "I like Bowen a lot. He made his way up from Hull (City) and took not too long to get there, to show exactly what kind of player he can be in the Premier League as well."
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Bowen serves as West Ham's captain and has a contract running until 2030. That, combined with his age, may discourage Liverpool from pursuing the 29-year-old.
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Nevertheless, he could become available at a reduced fee should the Hammers, who currently sit third from bottom in the Premier League, suffer relegation.
And Owen added: "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."
Liverpool resume their campaign when they welcome Chelsea to Anfield on Saturday afternoon.