Liverpool are being urged to consider a move for West Ham United forward Jarrod Bowen as the ideal successor to Mohamed Salah, with the Egyptian star's future at Anfield increasingly uncertain. Former Aston Villa midfielder Andy Townsend has publicly advocated for the Reds to pursue Bowen, arguing he represents a more realistic and effective acquisition than other rumoured targets like Real Madrid's Rodrygo.
Bowen Tipped as Superior Option to Rodrygo
Andy Townsend, speaking to BOYLE Sports, dismissed links to Real Madrid's Brazilian winger Rodrygo, despite previous interest from Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City. Rodrygo, 24, was reportedly on Liverpool's radar last year following Luis Diaz's transfer to Bayern Munich and during a period of limited playing time under then-Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso. However, the player later expressed his commitment to staying in Madrid after the summer transfer window closed.
"I don't quite get the Rodrigo links," Townsend stated. "Clearly if you play for Real Madrid you've got great ability but I've never seen him as a Galactico. Jarrod Bowen would absolutely go to Liverpool and be a real threat for them from the right on that side."
Salah's Potential Departure Looms Large
The speculation comes as Mohamed Salah approaches the possible end of his remarkable tenure at Liverpool, having joined from Roma in June 2017. Under manager Arne Slot, the club is actively assembling a squad capable of competing for major honours in the coming seasons. Salah, who has been Liverpool's top scorer for eight consecutive seasons, has seen a noticeable decline in his output this campaign, netting only four Premier League goals in 16 matches and two in seven Champions League appearances.
Townsend elaborated on the situation, suggesting Salah's best days may be behind him. "Liverpool are going to have to look at Bowen because I just don't see Salah staying beyond this summer," he said. "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."
How Bowen Could Complete Liverpool's Attack
Townsend envisions Bowen slotting seamlessly into Liverpool's frontline alongside existing players like Cody Gakpo and Hugo Ekitike. He praised Bowen's attributes, emphasising the pace, work rate, goal threat, and overall output he would bring to the team. "They give you pace, work rate, goals and real output. That's a frontline that has everything you could want," Townsend added, highlighting the potential for Bowen to thrive in Liverpool's system.
Mohamed Salah's legacy at Liverpool is firmly established, with 252 goals in 428 appearances across all competitions, placing him among the club's all-time greats. However, with his contract situation unresolved and performance levels dipping, the search for a long-term replacement has become a pressing priority. Townsend concluded, "Mo's best days are behind him and they've got to replace him." This sentiment underscores the growing belief that Liverpool must act decisively in the transfer market to secure a worthy successor, with Jarrod Bowen emerging as a leading candidate to fill the void left by Salah's potential departure.
