Liverpool have been linked with a move for West Ham United forward Jarrod Bowen this summer as manager Jurgen Klopp looks to strengthen his forward line.
What’s the story?
The Reds were first credited with an interest in the versatile 24-year-old last month by The Athletic’s James Pearce, and now The Mirror’s David Maddock has substantiated those claims.
Maddock has stated (as relayed by The Anfield Buzz Twitter account) that Liverpool could sign Bowen before the end of the current transfer window, adding some much-needed firepower to Klopp’s first team squad.
Jurgen Klopp would love him
After bagging 52 goals in 117 Championship appearances for Hull City, Bowen earned a move to the Premier League in January 2020 when the Hammers splashed out £20m to secure his services.
During his time at the London Stadium, the stocky winger has impressed with his stamina and incredible work rate, assets which would make him an ideal fit for Klopp’s unique gegenpressing system.
With fringe players Xherdan Shaqiri and Divock Origi rumoured to be heading for the Anfield exit door, the enigmatic German is believed to be in the market for another attacking option this summer.
As the 20-time English champions are working with a limited transfer budget, Bowen could be a decent value for money option.
Klopp would surely love his pressing ability, playing style and versatility, even if some doubts remain surrounding his quality on the ball.
Despite Bowen finding the back of the net on a regular basis in the Championship, he has struggled somewhat to replicate his form in front of goal in the Premier League. A return of nine goals and ten assists in 53 appearances for West Ham is a respectable return, but not one expected of a Liverpool player brought in to fire them back to the top-flight summit.
However, the £27m-rated maestro has plenty of potential and Klopp could be the ideal manager to mould him into a ruthless goalscorer at the highest level.
It remains to be seen whether Liverpool’s director of football Michael Edwards makes a concrete offer for Bowen, but with the resources available, he could be an astute purchase perfectly suited to Klopp’s demands.
In other news… James Pearce reveals transfer update which will leave Liverpool fans gutted