Premier League
Jurgen Klopp’s missed raid on a Championship side for Salah’s heir
Two points behind Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United ended their Championship campaign after relegation, but captain Jarrod Bowen has signed a new deal at the London Stadium, meaning he would not be on Liverpool’s books as Mohamed Salah’s replacement had Jurgen Klopp still been at the Anfield helm.
Former Premier League midfielder and Liverpool fan Kevin Nolan said the West Ham captain is the ideal replacement for the Reds icon, highlighting Bowen’s suitability for the role.
Mohamed Salah played his final Liverpool match in May, confirming that the season would be his last on Merseyside.
Liverpool have yet to sign a successor, with Yan Diomande previously a top target before the Ivorian joined Real Madrid, and French winger Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint‑Germain also on the club’s radar despite operating on the left.
A Getty image captured Klopp’s era, and Nolan believes that Klopp, who left the Reds in 2024, would have sanctioned Bowen’s signing had the German remained in charge.
TalkSPORT chief football correspondent Alex Crook noted Salah still needs replacing, prompting Nolan to say: “Of course he does. I’m surprised Jarrod Bowen wasn’t linked. I know when Jurgen Klopp was there, he really really liked Jarrod Bowen and he was high on the priority list. I think if Jurgen was still there, I think he probably would be a Liverpool player now.”
Bowen was linked with a summer exit after West Ham’s relegation, but he signed a new contract, keeping him at the club; the Hammers finished two points behind Tottenham and joined Burnley and Wolves, while Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville departed for Tottenham and Al Hilal respectively, and talkSPORT reports the Hammers are keen on replacing the Dutchman with Spurs winger Manor Solomon.
TalkSPORT understands Bowen can leave next summer if West Ham fail to secure an immediate Premier League return, and Nuno Espírito Santo’s side begin their Championship campaign with a visit to Burnley at Turf Moor on Sunday, 16 August.