Liverpool have entered the race to sign West Ham attacker Jarrod Bowen, who fits the profile of players Jurgen Klopp is looking for.
According to The Athletic, Jarrod Bowen has emerged as the latest target for Liverpool, as Jurgen Klopp continues to scour the market for attacking reinforcements. The West Ham attacker is an appealing option due to his age, versatility and tactical flexibility, though the pursuit largely hinges on the future of unwanted players like Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri.
The latter might be in demand, after starring for Switzerland in the recently concluded Euro 2020. Last month, it was reported that Lazio are among the clubs interested in the services of the former Bayern Munich winger. Liverpool may also have the leverage to drive up Shaqiri’s price tag in light of his performances in the European Championship.
While Shaqiri’s potential departure may weaken Liverpool’s depth in attack, Jarrod Bowen is an interesting replacement for multiple reasons. Unlike other targets like Kingsley Coman of Bayern Munich, the West Ham star is not the most decorated player, having only enjoyed his Premier League success last season.
Bowen featured in all of West Ham’s 38 league matches last term, becoming one of David Moyes’ primary attacking weapons. His eight goals and five assists, combined with his seemingly telepathic combination play with Jesse Lingard, played a critical role in helping the Hammers finish sixth in the league, thereby securing Europa League football.
However, Bowen’s performances have not gone unnoticed, with Liverpool now ready to add him to their ranks. It appears the 24-year-old is being targeted as a potential competitor for Liverpool’s three main attackers in Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Diogo Jota.
Roberto Firmino is a name worth mentioning as well, but the Brazilian is facing an uncertain future at the club. He may even leave Anfield this summer, paving the way for Bowen to become the primary alternative for the two wide attackers in Mane and Jota, with Salah likely to operate in a central role.
The West Ham star’s experience in English football makes him a better attacking option than someone like Takumi Minamino. However, his potential departure will serve as a massive blow for West Ham, who are already likely to lose out in the race to retain the services of Lingard.
The Hammers have recently set their sights on Matheus Pereira of West Brom. But the sale of Bowen could force Moyes to look for further reinforcements in the market, thus hampering his team’s chances of doing well in the Premier League and the Europa League next season.