Michael Owen has suggested that Mohamed Salah could still perform a dramatic U-turn and return to Liverpool this summer, despite the forward announcing in March that he would leave the club on a free transfer at the end of the season. Salah had reached an agreement with Liverpool to depart after a public fallout with former manager Arne Slot, whom he criticised in December and again after a defeat to Aston Villa last month, calling for a return to a more aggressive playing style.
Owen's Analysis of a Potential Return
Speaking about the possibility, Owen said: "Is it impossible that there's a U-turn? I think it's not beyond the realm that if Slot had been sacked during the season, Salah might have seen out his contract under a new manager." However, he acknowledged the difficulty: "I don't think it's beyond the realms. Maybe they've gone too far, though, now. Obviously now that he's done his wave goodbye and all the rest of it, it's probably gone too far now to make a big U-turn." Owen added that if Slot had been dismissed five games before the end, a reversal might have been feasible.
Slot's Dismissal and Iraola's Appointment
Slot was sacked after an end-of-season review concluded his playing style was no longer suitable for Liverpool, compounded by a disappointing Premier League title defence and 19 losses across all competitions. The club has since appointed former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola as manager. Owen expressed excitement about Iraola, stating: "You can question most appointments, can't you? There's rarely an absolute perfect fit. But you would say from a positive point of view, he's young, he's hungry. He plays a style of play that Liverpool fans have been used to, certainly in previous years under Jurgen Klopp. There's lots going for him." He did note question marks about Iraola's experience at a top club and whether his high-intensity style can be sustained over a full season.
Liverpool's Transfer Activity
Liverpool have already moved to bolster their attack, announcing the £34.5 million signing of Victor Munoz on Thursday. The club has also reportedly offered RB Leipzig around £86 million for Yan Diomande. Owen believes West Ham's Jarrod Bowen would be an ideal replacement for Salah, saying: "I would say that Liverpool need a right-sided attacking player. I've mentioned before, I think Jarrod Bowen is a really good solution." He also highlighted the need for a centre-half, noting that Liverpool bought young players for the future, but one suffered a knee injury and another a shoulder issue.
