Owen Makes Case for Bowen as Salah Successor at Liverpool Following West Ham Relegation

Michael Owen has made a compelling case for Jarrod Bowen to become Liverpool's next leading right-winger, positioning the West Ham captain as an "absolute perfect" successor to Mohamed Salah in the wake of the club's Premier League drop.

Bowen delivered an impressive individual campaign despite his side's relegation struggles, racking up nine goals and eleven assists throughout the season. The England international's performances have done little to dim the interest from top-flight suitors, with Klopp previously identified as an admirer of the 27-year-old's qualities.

Speaking on Premier League Productions, Owen acknowledged the emotional complexity of Bowen's situation but argued the case for a summer switch remains compelling. "He is such a West Ham lad, he's the captain, he's adored by the club, his family are all from the area," Owen explained. "If there's any big player that is going to be relegated and stick with it then you can see it."

However, Owen insisted that Bowen's career trajectory demands top-flight football. "You've got a short career, I mean he has to be playing in the Premier League," the former Liverpool striker continued. "Mo Salah has gone now from Liverpool, I think Bowen is the absolute perfect replacement for Mo Salah at Liverpool."

Owen framed a potential move to Anfield as an opportunity few players could realistically turn down. "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."

Yet Owen tempered expectations, suggesting Bowen might yet remain committed to West Ham's promotion push if no elite offer materialised. "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."

Bowen himself has offered little encouragement to speculation about his summer plans. When asked about his future following Sunday's relegation, the winger stressed the need to respect West Ham's immediate crisis. "It's still very, very raw. Talking about futures is disrespectful to the club, the fans, everything like that," Bowen said.

The 27-year-old made clear his primary focus remains on restoring West Ham to the Premier League. "This club deserves to be in the Premier League. That's our aim now, this season is done, our aim now is to get back in the Premier League. That's as simple as it is," he insisted. "I want this club to be in the Premier League. It's a club that means so much to me, that's given me so much, so my vision is getting this club back in the Premier League."