Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen believes the Reds should make a serious move for Jarrod Bowen, insisting the West Ham captain would be the ideal player to strengthen Liverpool’s attack this summer.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Owen did not hold back in his assessment.
“Jarrod Bowen’s just crying out. I mean, there’s no risk. He’s brilliant. He’ll score plenty of goals… Liverpool are desperate. They need somebody like him and I’d go and get him.”
It is a strong endorsement from someone who knows exactly what it takes to succeed at Anfield.
A Ready-Made Premier League Star
Unlike many of the players Liverpool have been linked with this summer, Bowen would arrive as a proven Premier League performer.
Season after season, he has delivered goals and assists despite playing in a West Ham side that has rarely challenged for the biggest honours.
His qualities are well established:
- Clinical finishing.
- Intelligent movement.
- Excellent work rate.
- Versatility across the front line.
- Big-game experience.
For a Liverpool side looking to replace the output of Mohamed Salah, those attributes are extremely attractive.
Why Bowen Fits Liverpool
One of Bowen’s biggest strengths is his consistency.
He may not generate as many headlines as some of Europe’s younger stars, but he rarely goes through long periods without contributing.
He also works tirelessly without the ball, something that would suit Andoni Iraola’s demanding style of football.
Bowen has shown throughout his career that he is willing to press, track back and sacrifice himself for the team.
That mentality is something Liverpool have always valued.
The Salah Question
Replacing Mohamed Salah was never going to be easy.
Liverpool have been linked with exciting young wingers such as Bradley Barcola and Yan Diomande, but Bowen offers something different.
He is already proven.
He understands the Premier League.
And he would require very little adaptation time.
While he is not a like-for-like replacement for Salah, he could immediately add goals, experience and reliability to Liverpool’s attack.
The Transfer Wouldn’t Be Easy
Of course, signing Bowen would be far from straightforward.
West Ham are unlikely to want to lose their captain and one of their most influential players.
Any deal would almost certainly require a substantial transfer fee.
Whether Liverpool would be prepared to make that investment remains to be seen.
Owen Makes a Strong Case
Michael Owen’s comments will certainly resonate with many supporters.
While much of the transfer speculation has focused on younger players with huge potential, Bowen represents the safer option.
As Owen suggested, there is very little uncertainty about what he would bring.
He has already demonstrated his quality in England’s top flight.
Should Liverpool Make Their Move?
Supporters will no doubt be divided.
Some will prefer Liverpool to invest in younger talent with greater long-term potential.
Others will agree with Owen that Bowen is exactly the type of experienced Premier League attacker who could make an immediate difference.
One thing is certain.
If Liverpool want a player who guarantees effort, goals and proven quality, Jarrod Bowen deserves to be part of the conversation.
Source: @LivEchoLFC
Jamie (The Kopite View)
All well and good, but he’s happy where he is in East London and has no interest in playing for either Merseyside club. It’s also called loyalty – not a word, I imagine, that has any meaning for the little fat lad Owen.