Michael Owen names Mohamed Salah’s ‘absolute perfect replacement’ at Liverpool

Michael Owen has named Jarrod Bowen as the ‘absolute perfect replacement’ for Mohamed Salah at Liverpool following West Ham’s relegation from the Premier League.

West Ham were demoted to the Championship on the final day of the Premier League season on Sunday as they sealed a 3-0 win at home to Leeds, but Tottenham finished two points ahead with a 1-0 win over Everton.

Speaking after West Ham’s relegation, Bowen said it was ‘disrespectful’ to discuss his future but indicated that he would be willing to still captain the team in the Championship next season.

Liverpool, meanwhile, said goodbye to Salah on the final day of the season with the 33-year-old leaving after winning eight major trophies during his time at Anfield, including two Premier League titles and the Champions League.

Arne Slot’s side are now in the market to replace Salah and Owen has urged his former club to make a move for Bowen.

Asked if Bowen will stay at West Ham for their Championship season, Owen told Premier League Productions: ‘Under normal circumstances, no. But he is such a West Ham lad, he’s the captain, he’s adored by the club, his family are all from the area.

‘If there’s any big player that is going to be relegated and stick with it then you can see it.

‘However, Jarrod Bowen is incredible, you’ve got a short career, I mean he has to be playing in the Premier League.

‘If something really, really interesting [is offered], I’ve said for a long time, I don’t make any apologies, Mo Salah has gone now from Liverpool, I think Bowen is the absolute perfect replacement for Mo Salah at Liverpool.

‘If an opportunity came along for him like that, to play for Liverpool, then even the most ardent West Ham fan couldn’t begrudge that. Instead of playing in the Championship, go to one of the best teams in the world and fill Mo Salah’s boots, it’s really exciting for him.

‘However, if an opportunity doesn’t come from one of the big boys like that, then maybe he’ll fight his way back into the Premier League with West Ham.’

Meanwhile, former West Ham striker Jermain Defoe, who was relegated from the Premier League with the Hammers in 2003, believes Bowen may wait until next January before moving back to the Premier League.

‘I think for Jarrod Bowen, for him, I think West Ham fans have to understand if he wants to go and play football,’ Defoe said.

‘I think he’ll be hurting, obviously with the club being relegated as captain because you have to take responsibility, and also as well, not getting in the World Cup squad.

‘It will probably be the worst summer for him ever and he’s going to have to consider his future now.

‘But saying that, he loves West Ham, his family loves West Ham, could he stay there for six months if they start well next season and it looks like they’re cruising, then get him out of the Championship.’

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المصدر: Metro UK