While last year was all about the midfield for Liverpool, this season they seem set to focus on the other two areas of the pitch.
There’s a strong argument that the Reds might not be finished with their midfield reupholstering. It remains to be seen whether Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes share that view. Two or three years ago, it seemed quite likely that Bowen might one day play for Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp is a huge fan of the former Hull City man.
Klopp even went as far as saying that Bowen was his ‘favourite player’ outside of those in his own squad as recently as December 2023.
You can see why. The 27-year-old has had another top season, hitting a personal best 16 goals in the Premier League and breaking the 20-goal barrier across all competitions.
Bowen has also made a habit out of scoring against Liverpool. He found the net in each of the three games against the Reds this season.
Despite all of that, it would be surprising if Bowen ends up at Anfield. At 27, he’s now out of the age range Edwards prefers for signings, and with Klopp leaving, his biggest fan is gone. There are more suitable options available.
What is clear, though, is that the incoming transfer team acknowledges that Liverpool could do with a new center-back. Edwards and Hughes have also identified that Arne Slot will need an extra forward brought in this summer.
The latter is obviously more exciting. With the transfer window now fast approaching, links to players like Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon have emerged. However, any interest in Gordon has since been dismissed, and Liverpool have now been told the ideal man to add to their attack.
Liverpool going ahead to sign Bowen in summer:
If Liverpool bring in a forward this summer, it will be interesting to see the profile they choose. It had long been expected that they’d need to replace Mohamed Salah, for example. In that scenario, Liverpool would surely have to find an elite – or potentially elite – left-footer in the mold of the Egyptian.
However, it has been reported that Salah is more likely to stay than to leave. With rumors surrounding Luis Diaz’s future instead, the Reds might need to look for someone for the opposite wing.
Despite that, Liverpool legend John Aldridge told the Liverpool ECHO that Reds fans should still be wary of Salah leaving. If he does, Aldridge claims that West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen should be brought in.
“Do we need a new striker? I presume, and it’s only me presuming, that the club will have to let Mohamed Salah go because of financial reasons,” says the former striker. “And if they do, I’d just go and get Jarrod Bowen,” Aldridge adds. “I’ve said it before, Bowen, if you look at the players out there. If you can get him, that is, with all due respect to West Ham.
“We have to see if he’s available, and everyone is available at the right price. The likes of Bowen, even Ollie Watkins, they are the types of players forward-wise if Mo goes that we have to be looking at. I don’t think we could get Watkins because Villa are pretty much in the Champions League now. They’re going to keep their players, but they’re two players who would fit the bill for me.”
Ultimately, Liverpool’s transfer decisions will hinge on various factors, including financial considerations and the evolving needs of the squad. Their focus however is clear, which is to strengthening key areas to maintain their competitive edge.
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