Liverpool Misses Transfer Target with Bowen Focus

Liverpool has been advised they failed to pursue Jarrod Bowen as a successor to Salah, with insights from Michael Owen on the transfer market.

Liverpool has been informed that they missed out on a significant opportunity by not considering West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen as the perfect successor to Mohamed Salah. Michael Owen shared his thoughts on the potential links to Bradley Barcola during an exclusive interview.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward, who recently became available, carries a hefty price tag, with reports suggesting a demand of £145 million ($195 million) from the reigning Ligue 1 champions. Despite having two years left on his contract at Parc des Princes, PSG is under no pressure to make a sale.

Given the current situation, Liverpool is finding it challenging to validate such an expenditure, particularly as the club did not generate any funds from letting Salah leave as a free agent. With the 2026-27 football season approaching, concerns grow regarding Liverpool’s ability to add an experienced wide player to their roster.

Owen expressed, “You know what I would have done a couple of months ago if I was Liverpool – that’s try to do everything to sign Jarrod Bowen. I can’t believe he’s going to be desperate to play in the Championship. Looks like he is now, whatever he’s done. To replace Salah, I thought that could have been a good move.”

He acknowledged Barcola as a top-class player but cautioned about the financial implications, saying, “There’s obviously other great players around the world. It’s one that you can definitely see because they absolutely need some talented wide players. If he is available and it’s an easy one to do, barring the big price tag, then yes, I can see that one being pushed by Liverpool.”

Owen is not alone in suggesting Liverpool should have explored the potential acquisition of Bowen, especially after West Ham’s relegation from the Premier League last season. Now 29, Bowen has family ties to East London, through his wife, Dani Dyer, and has committed to helping West Ham return to the top flight.

Owen’s former striking partner at Liverpool, Emile Heskey, recently remarked on Bowen’s value, suggesting he offers a different playing style than Salah, with demands on work rate and effort due to his experiences at West Ham and the lower leagues. He stated, “Would Jarrod Bowen be a downgrade from Mohamed Salah? I think most players are a downgrade compared to Salah but Bowen is a different type of player and he would probably help the formation.”

Bowen’s current contract with West Ham runs through 2030, and he appears focused on aiding the club with a quick turnaround back into the Premier League, disregarding any interest for now. Barcola, meanwhile, continues to be a focal point in transfer discussions, with Liverpool now facing competition from Arsenal, who are also considering a move for the young PSG star.