Ex-PL star names England international as Mohamed Salah's heir at Liverpool
Former West Ham United captain Kevin Nolan has tipped Jarrod Bowen to replace Mohamed Salah at Liverpool. The English coach was part of David Moyes' backroom staff at the London Stadium and helped manage the in-form attacker.
Bowen, 27, was superb this past season, earning himself a place in Gareth Southgate's provisional 33-man squad for Euro 2024. He bagged 20 goals and 10 assists in 44 games across competitions.
Nolan was recently asked who could replace Salah, 31, at Liverpool as question marks grow over his future. The former Bolton Wanderers star responded (via TEAMTalk):
"Jarrod Bowen."
Bowen has been linked with the Merseysiders in the past including just before signing a new long-term deal last October. It was claimed that the Reds and Newcastle United were keeping tabs on the seven-cap England international.
Salah's future at Anfield is not set in stone despite a recent post from the Egyptian hero hinting at continuing with the Merseysiders. He posted on X (formerly Twitter) when the season concluded:
"We know that trophies are what count and we will do everything possible to make that happen next season. Our fans deserve it and we will fight like hell."
However, Salah continues to be linked with the Saudi Pro League after Al-Ittihad failed with a £150 million offer last summer. Clubs from the Middle Eastern league will reportedly pursue the Liverpool's Premier League all-time top scorer and Alisson Becker this summer.
Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is a fan of Jarrod Bowen
Liverpool needn't look further for advice on whether to sign Bowen than to ask Jurgen Klopp for his thoughts. The German tactician ended a nine-year reign at Anfield on May 19.
Bowen has been a thorn in Klopp's side for several years, registering three goals and as many assists in 10 games across competitions. He was on target in the Hammers' 2-2 draw with the Merseysiders on April 27.
Klopp spoke two years ago about Bowen and the talent he possesses. He said (via football.london journalist Tom Clark):
"Bowen. What a player he became, unbelievable."
Bowen joined West Ham from Hull City for a reported £22 million in January 2020. He's since conjured up 60 goals and 39 assists in 202 games across competitions.
The Leominster-born winger was man-of-the-match as the Hammers beat Fiorentina 2-1 in the UEFA Europa Conference League final (April 27, 2023). He scored a 90th-minute winner for Moyes' side.