Liverpool are looking to reinforce their attack ahead of the new season and are reportedly plotting a move for West Ham United forward Jarrod Bowen.
According to the Athletic, Bowen is on the Merseyside club’s list of transfer targets this summer.
The 24-year-old lit up the Premier League with his displays under David Moyes last season. Bowen scored eight goals and provided five assists in 38 league games. He was instrumental in their sixth-place finish in the Premier League that secured European football for the coming season.
Before his arrival at the London Stadium, Bowen had impressed for Hull City, scoring 54 goals in 131 appearances in all competitions.
Bowen will not be available for cheap, though. The versatile attacker has four years left on his current contract and will reportedly cost Liverpool north of £35 million.
Jarrod Bowen to Liverpool – A good backup for Klopp?
On the surface, a move for Bowen may seem a little underwhelming. But dig a little deeper and it’s clear why Liverpool are interested in the talented England player.
Jarrod Bowen is on Liverpool's shortlist for potential attacking targets. Jurgen Klopp a big fan. Whether they reinforce the squad in that area in this window depends largely on whether Origi/Shaqiri move on. #LFC https://t.co/GqbOZf7r8k
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) July 21, 2021
With Xherdan Shaqiri and Divock Origi set to leave Liverpool, the club are short on attacking options. Mohamed Salah has continued to bang in the goals for the Reds, but the Egyptian has long been linked with a move away. Sadio Mane, meanwhile, struggled for form last season.
Diogo Jota has impressed since his move from Wolves, but beyond that, Liverpool have very few options to call upon. In that sense, a move for Bowen makes sense. The 24-year-old is not going to dislodge Salah, Firmino or Mane from the starting XI, but he could serve as a useful backup option.
Bowen is versatile and can play on either flank, as well as through the middle as a centre-forward. He possesses great technical ability and can beat defenders with his pace and quick feet. He is also a decent finisher with an eye for goal. Last season, Bowen averaged 0.8 key passes, 0.8 crosses and 0.9 dribbles per game.
The former Hull forward also has a great work ethic and would easily slot into Liverpool’s high-energy system. He averaged 0.7 tackles and 0.6 interceptions per game last season, proving he is no slouch on defence. Moreover, he is only 24 and is yet to hit his prime.
With Liverpool hoping to compete on multiple fronts next season, they will need plenty of squad depth and Bowen will be a useful addition.
Stats via Whoscored