Former Chelsea and Republic of Ireland midfielder Andy Townsend has suggested that West Ham star Jarrod Bowen could be the ideal successor to Mohamed Salah at Liverpool, as speculation mounts over the Egyptian winger’s future.
Salah, 33, has been linked with a high-profile move to the Saudi Pro League, and a recent explosive interview in December fueled talk that he could leave Anfield this summer. Townsend believes Liverpool must act decisively to fill the looming void.
Speaking to BOYLE Sports, Townsend dismissed other rumored targets such as Real Madrid’s Rodrigo, arguing that Bowen’s experience and style make him a more natural fit.
“Jarrod Bowen would absolutely go to Liverpool and be a real threat for them from the right on that side. They’d have Cody Gakpo, Hugo Ekitike and Bowen. They give you pace, work rate, goals and real output. That’s a frontline that has everything you could want,” he said.
Bowen, 29, has already contributed eight goals and three assists in the Premier League this season, making him a proven and reliable option to step into Salah’s shoes.
Townsend also reflected on Salah’s current form and hinted that the winger’s best years may be behind him.
“Whatever’s gone on at Anfield, it’s just taken a bit of wind out of Mo’s sails. Whether it’s a relationship problem or he’s just getting older, whatever it is he’s never going to be able to keep producing the numbers like he has done in the past. Mo’s best days are behind him, and they’ve got to replace him,” he explained.
Liverpool’s search for a replacement is not limited to Bowen. Names such as Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise and RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande have also been linked as the club weighs up its options ahead of what could be a pivotal summer transfer window.
