Former Liverpool star names ideal Salah replacement | OneFootball

Owen backs Bowen as Salah successor at Liverpool

Liverpool’s looming transition from Mohamed Salah has prompted debate across the game, and Michael Owen has offered a clear, decisive view. The former striker has identified Jarrod Bowen as the ideal candidate to step into one of the most demanding roles in European football, the right sided forward position at Anfield.

With Salah expected to depart this summer, Liverpool face a structural and tactical challenge. Replacing his output, consistency and threat requires more than simply signing a forward. It demands a player capable of interpreting space, finishing clinically and sustaining high performance levels across a long campaign.

Owen’s endorsement of Bowen centres on technical versatility and mentality, attributes that have defined the West Ham captain’s rise. Speaking on talkSPORT Breakfast, Owen said: “How did you know? I told a couple of my mates yesterday that he’s the one player I would sign. Obviously he’s a legend of a player, West Ham adore the man, and rightly so, but if they go down, he would be the right fit for Liverpool.”

That conviction was reinforced by first hand experience. Owen added: “I think he’s absolutely brilliant. I was lucky enough to do a striker masterclass for a TV show with him last season and I couldn’t believe how good he was with both feet, taking corners, his pace and he’s a top finisher. He’s a brilliant player who I would take to the World Cup. I don’t want to upset West Ham fans but if they go down, he would be my ideal choice to replace Salah.”

Such praise highlights Bowen’s rounded skill set. Comfortable on either foot, capable of delivering from set pieces and relentless in his movement, he offers tactical flexibility. Under Arne Slot, whose system prioritises fluid attacking patterns, Bowen’s adaptability could prove invaluable.

Liverpool squad balance under Slot scrutiny

Liverpool’s attacking options remain extensive, yet Owen’s analysis points to a specific imbalance. Despite significant investment, the squad lacks a natural right sided attacker in Salah’s mould. Players such as Cody Gakpo and Florian Wirtz provide creativity and goal threat, but operate differently, often drifting centrally or preferring alternative zones.

Owen acknowledged this gap directly: “They are going to have to do only a little bit of surgery on the team, they have spent a fortune last year. I know they recouped a lot of money last year, but they spent a lot of it, and I doubt they have any left to spend it again. But they are going to have to replace Salah, that’s the first port of call.”

He continued: “There’s no one in the team currently who is like Salah, a right sided attacker. There are options in different positions with Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, but they have injuries they’re working through. You have Rio Ngumoha who’s trying to break through into the team, then there’s Cody Gakpo and Florian Wirtz. There are plenty of options going forward but none on the right side.”

This assessment reflects a broader recruitment question. Liverpool’s recent spending has been substantial, yet targeted additions remain necessary to maintain competitive standards domestically and in Europe.

Financial reality shapes Bowen transfer prospects

Any move for Bowen would depend heavily on West Ham’s circumstances. Relegation could alter the financial landscape and make negotiations more feasible. Without that scenario, Liverpool may need to explore alternative strategies or negotiate creatively.

Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant offered a note of caution regarding resources: “I don’t think we’re going to have that massive budget. We’ve got two good defenders coming back, which is a blessing. We’ll have Conor Bradley coming back as well, which is great news as well for next season. We’ve got to give them money because the same Slot system is not going to work. So with the group that we’ve got, I personally believe that a new style, the ‘old Liverpool way’, would get a better tune out of these players and better performances and better results.”

For Liverpool, the equation is clear. Replacing Salah is both a footballing and financial challenge. Owen’s backing of Bowen adds a compelling dimension to the debate, one grounded in experience and observation. Whether that recommendation translates into action will define a critical phase in Liverpool’s evolution under Slot.