Former Chelsea, England and Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole believes West Ham United captain Jarrod Bowen would be the perfect player to fill the void at Anfield should Mohamed Salah depart the club.
Salah’s future has been a subject of intense debate in recent months, with his Liverpool contract set to expire at the end of next season. The Egyptian forward sparked controversy last December after claiming he had been “sacrificed” by the club following his omission under manager Arne Slott.
While tensions appear to have eased since then, uncertainty still surrounds his long-term future, particularly amid continued interest from Saudi Arabian clubs.
Since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations last month, Salah has started four consecutive matches for Liverpool, playing every minute before being withdrawn late in the 4-1 win over Newcastle on Saturday.
However, Cole believes the club must already be considering alternatives in case the star winger leaves this summer.
“Jarrod is a fantastic player, a great character, and a champion at West Ham. His name will stand alongside the greats who have represented the club. He is loved there, and at the peak of his career, he deserves to win trophies and compete at the highest level,” he said as quoted by Liverpool Echo.
The former Liverpool midfielder, who made 42 appearances for the Reds between 2010 and 2012, suggested Bowen’s future could depend heavily on West Ham’s Premier League survival.
“If West Ham are relegated, it won’t be because of what Jarrod Bowen has done; he is one of the pillars of the club. I think he will leave then, and most fans will understand that,” Cole added.
Cole went on to explain why Liverpool would be a natural destination for the England international.
“Where would he fit in? Certainly Liverpool. That position on the wing could become vacant if Mohamed Salah leaves. Bowen is capable of playing anywhere,” he said.
