Liverpool tipped to sign ‘next Salah’ after Echo update in last 24 hours – Whelan
Noel Whelan has insisted West Ham striker Jarrod Bowen has earned a move to Liverpool with his “improved” performances under David Moyes.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 25-year-old is “in the mould” of current Reds stars Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
According to the Liverpool Echo (26 December), West Ham star Bowen is a “player of interest” for Liverpool as they target attacking reinforcements.
However, the report claims that the former Hull man is “almost certain” to stay with the Hammers past the 31 January deadline – meaning a deal in summer is most likely.
Whelan drew comparisons to Liverpool’s successful swoop for former Wolves forward Diogo Jota.
“That one reminds me a lot of the Diogo Jota deal, he could be the next Salah,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“The way Jarrod Bowen plays, he’s very much in the mould of Mane or Salah, in terms of how he plays on the shoulder and drives at defences.
“I think we saw that yesterday with his run and then the inch-perfect pass to Said Benrahma for his goal. He really causes problems when he drives in behind.
“Also, he plays as a number nine for West Ham when Michail Antonio is out – so you know he can fill in there as well.
“It’s one that would be puzzling to a lot of people but makes real sense when you look at how Liverpool play – just like Jota.
“He’s looking for versatility, and Bowen can really cut it in the Premier League. He’s improved so much under David Moyes at West Ham, but Liverpool could be the next step for him – I can see him there – and it wouldn’t surprise me at all.
“He’s earned that speculation and that move.”
Liverpool will be without their key men in Salah and Mane when they depart for the African Cup of Nations following the 2 January clash against Chelsea.
Bowen has netted five goals and registered seven assists in 26 West Ham appearances this term.
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