Liverpool is in the market for a right-sided attacker this summer following the departure of club legend Mohamed Salah, and Michael Owen believes there's an obvious solution for the Reds
Mark Jones Liverpool Content Editor - Sport and James Findlater Content Editor
15:01, 15 Jul 2026Updated 15:08, 15 Jul 2026
CHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 07: Michael Owen poses at Chester Racecourse on May 07, 2026 in Chester, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
Michael Owen has given his thoughts on who Liverpool should sign this summer(Image: Getty Images)
Michael Owen reckons Liverpool should pursue a 'no risk' transfer for West Ham's Jarrod Bowen this summer, potentially even securing him on loan for a season.
The Reds are actively seeking a right-sided forward following Mohamed Salah's departure after nine trophy-laden, and goal-filled, years at the club, having reached an agreement to waive the final year of his contract.
With striker Hugo Ekitike set to be sidelined until 2027 due to an Achilles injury, the goalscoring responsibility is anticipated to rest heavily on Alexander Isak this campaign, as the Swedish international aims to validate his $168 million (£125M) price tag after last summer's acrimonious switch from Newcastle.
Owen, Liverpool's ninth highest goalscorer of all-time, has no concerns about the expectations placed on Isak, and believes the Reds aren't necessarily obliged to sign another central forward this summer.
"I think Alexander Isak's an important player for Liverpool this season with Mo Salah's goals out of the equation and Hugo Ekitike being injured," Owen told the Liverpool Echo via casino.org.
"I would think there would be another signing, put it that way, in forward positions, but as things stand, regardless of if there's another signing he's a very important player full stop. And he's even more important with, obviously, the Salah and Ekitike situations."
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When discussing where Liverpool requires reinforcements, Owen added: "Definitely on the right side.
"If Ekitike's not going to be out forever, if you go and spend a fortune and get another center-forward, you've got an embarrassment of riches already, really. So, I don't think we should be buying a center-forward.
"Whether you think Rio Ngumoha on the left, and Cody Gakpo, is strong enough and good enough, then fine. But there's no question that we need to replace Salah on the right hand side, no question at all."
When pushed for potential transfer targets, Owen said: "Jarrod Bowen's just crying out. I mean, there's no risk. He's brilliant. He'll score plenty of goals, he's played in the Premier League.
West Ham winger Jarrod Bowen
Owen thinks Jarrod Bowen would be an ideal signing for Liverpool(Image: (Photo by Ben Peters/MB Media/Getty Images))
"I certainly don't want to upset West Ham fans, but surely someone of his quality can't be playing in the Championship for a year.
"I mean, it's not like he's 17, and starting his career. He's got to be playing in the top teams. Even if they loaned him for a year, what about that? That'd be interesting, wouldn't it?
"West Ham get back up and then he can go back, and that gives Liverpool time to find someone else.
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"It might be a stupid thing to say, but Liverpool are desperate, they need somebody like him and I'd go and get him."