Michael Owen has expressed surprise at Liverpool's quiet transfer window and believes they should have signed Jarrod Bowen following West Ham United's relegation. The former Reds striker is concerned about the void left by Mohamed Salah's departure and a long-term injury to Hugo Ekitike.
Liverpool have already signed Victor Munoz for £34.5 million and are in talks with Paris Saint-Germain over Bradley Barcola, with interest also in Ibrahim Mbaye. However, Owen insists Bowen would have been a strong addition before he signed a new deal at West Ham.
Owen's verdict on Liverpool's transfer business
Asked if he was surprised by Liverpool's subdued activity, Owen said: "Absolutely, yes. Losing Mo Salah and his goals and assists must be a concern right now. Liverpool need to look to add more depth in the forward areas."
He added: "I would have gone more Jarrod Bowen as one player to come in as I believe he is very talented, Premier League-proven and could have fitted in really well and could have scored plenty of goals."
Owen noted that Liverpool's focus on Barcola could require an attacking player to make way, saying: "Right now it seems Liverpool are putting all their time in looking to secure Barcola from PSG, although at a huge price tag it may mean that one of the attacking players may have to make way for him to join."
Concerns over Isak and Wirtz
Liverpool will hope for more from Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, who cost over £100 million combined. Isak suffered a broken leg and was out for four months, while Wirtz had adaptation issues last season.
Owen said of Isak: "He had a tough time last season. That kind of injury does take a lot of time to recover from and sometimes you only recover to the player you were, not one that can push on even further."
He added: "But if Isak can find the same form that he did for Newcastle, then he can definitely show his worth for Andoni Iraola. He is hugely talented as shown for Newcastle and did look good in the World Cup, so hopefully he can be a top striker next season and score plenty."
On Wirtz, Owen said: "With (Florian) Wirtz as well now having one season under his belt, we hope he can find good form."
Jones future and homegrown talent
Curtis Jones, in the last year of his contract, is linked with a move away. Inter have not met Liverpool's valuation, and Galatasaray are also interested.
Owen, speaking to the ECHO, commented on the potential loss of a local player: "It’s always nice to have homegrown players playing for Liverpool. The fans feel it when you see local players come through the Academy and shine for the first team."
He referenced other examples: "But look around at other clubs, Jack Grealish came through at Villa and left and got stick, the same with Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool when he left. So it’s difficult, but I do have to say, I was a local lad who came through the ranks and played for Liverpool and you could feel it was great."
