Liverpool Receive Advice on Mohamed Salah Successor
Liverpool have been advised to consider a move for West Ham United and England forward Jarrod Bowen should star winger Mohamed Salah depart the club this summer. The future of the Egyptian international at Anfield remains uncertain following his public outburst prior to the African Cup of Nations tournament.
Salah's Situation and Potential Departure
While Mohamed Salah has since been reintegrated into the Liverpool first-team squad, speculation persists that he could still leave Merseyside amid continued interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia. This potential exit has prompted discussion about who might fill the considerable void left by one of the Premier League's most prolific attackers.
Joe Cole's Recommendation
Former Liverpool and England midfielder Joe Cole has publicly suggested that West Ham's Jarrod Bowen represents an ideal candidate to succeed Salah at Anfield. Cole made these comments during an interview with betting firm Paddy Power, highlighting Bowen's qualities and current situation.
"Jarrod is a wonderful footballer, a great character and a hero at West Ham," Cole stated. "His name will stand shoulder to shoulder with all the great players that have played for the club. He's loved at the club and he deserves, at the peak of his career, to win silverware and fight at the top level."
Bowen's Potential Availability
The recommendation comes with the significant caveat that Bowen's availability likely depends on West Ham's Premier League status. The winger is expected to seek a move away from the London Stadium should David Moyes' side suffer relegation to the Championship this season.
"If West Ham were to get relegated, it won't be anything to do with what Jarrod Bowen has done; he's been a stalwart for the club," Cole explained. "I think he'll walk away and the majority of the fans will accept that."
Why Bowen Suits Liverpool
Cole specifically identified Liverpool as a suitable destination for the 29-year-old England international. "Who does he suit? Obviously, Liverpool, that slot [out wide] might come into play if Mo Salah leaves. He can go and play anywhere," the former Chelsea and Liverpool midfielder added.
He further elaborated on Bowen's career ambitions: "I think most West Ham fans will agree that the lad deserves to go to a team that's going to match his ambitions and give him the opportunity to play in the Champions League and show the world what he can do."
Bowen's West Ham Career
Jarrod Bowen joined West Ham from Hull City in January 2020 for a reported fee of £22 million. Since his arrival at the London Stadium, he has established himself as a key player for the Hammers, making 264 appearances and scoring 82 goals across all competitions.
His notable achievements include scoring the winning goal in West Ham's 2023 Europa Conference League final victory against Fiorentina, securing the club's first major European trophy in 58 years. Despite his current contract running until 2030 with an option for an additional year, speculation about his future continues to mount.
Summer of Decision
Cole suggested that regardless of West Ham's final league position, Bowen should be proactive about his future. "Whatever happens at the end of this season, he should be knocking on the owners' door and be saying, 'What's the plan? Here's my ambitions, are you going to match it?'" he advised.
"It's you speaking to the club, not the club speaking to you. And that's not arrogant, because you have a finite career as a footballer and you have to squeeze as much out of it as you can. It'll be an interesting summer for Jarrod one way or another."
The coming months will reveal whether Liverpool act upon this advice, whether Mohamed Salah remains at Anfield, and what future awaits one of West Ham's most celebrated modern players.
