West Ham’s forward has shown consistent improvement over the years and is emerging as a potential candidate to succeed Mohamed Salah at Liverpool. Despite not being the most high-profile name, Jarrod Bowen possesses attributes that make him a compelling option for Liverpool.
During the summer transfer window, Salah attracted interest from Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad, but their bid of up to £150 million was rejected. As Salah’s contract approaches its final year, there’s anticipation that Al-Ittihad’s interest could resurface, potentially leaving Liverpool in need of a successor for one of their greatest players.
One of the standout prospects on Liverpool’s radar is Jarrod Bowen, a 26-year-old right-sided attacker from West Ham. According to reports from The Athletic, Liverpool has been monitoring Bowen closely as they search for a player capable of filling Salah’s shoes.
Bowen may not be the flashiest name on the list of potential successors, but he brings an impressive skill set to the table. He possesses quick feet, pace, an eye for goals and assists, and the ability to consistently threaten from the right side of the attack. While fans might have dreams of more exotic signings like Rafael Leao or Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Bowen certainly warrants serious consideration.
Replacing Salah’s exceptional statistics is no easy task. Last season, Salah scored 30 goals and provided 16 assists across all competitions. However, Bowen has proven himself reliable in prior seasons while playing for a team that often performs below the elite level. Over the last two seasons, he has contributed to 44 goals, showcasing his consistent performance.
One of Bowen’s most memorable moments came in the Europa Conference League final when he scored the game-winning goal in the 90th minute, ending West Ham’s nearly 60-year European championship drought. This highlights his ability to perform on significant occasions.
One potential concern is how Bowen would fit into a team that dominates possession, as he has excelled in counter-attacking setups. However, it’s reasonable to expect that he would have more goal-scoring opportunities at a top club like Liverpool.
Bowen has also started the current season strongly, netting three goals and providing one assist in his first four games. Among his goals were a stunning long-range strike against Bournemouth and a composed finish against Brighton, both reminiscent of Salah’s prowess.
His contract with West Ham runs until 2025, but if he doesn’t sign an extension before next summer, he might explore his options. With an estimated value of around £33 million (€38 million), he could be a pricey acquisition within the Premier League but still a more cost-effective option compared to some of the superstar alternatives linked with Liverpool.
