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Salah on the Way Out? Pundit Pushes Liverpool to Swoop for Bowen Instead of Fancy Rodrygo
Former Chelsea star Andy Townsend has urged Liverpool to target West Ham's Jarrod Bowen as a replacement for Mohamed Salah, whose form has dipped amid the Reds' struggles this season. While Salah's future remains uncertain, Townsend highlights broader squad issues like Virgil van Dijk's age and Alexis Mac Allister's dip, preferring the energetic Englishman over Real Madrid's Rodrygo. A potential front three of Bowen, Cody Gakpo, and Hugo Ekitike could revitalise Liverpool's attack.
Alright, lads, grab a pint and pull up a stool because Liverpool's right-wing drama is hotter than a Scouse curry right now. The Egyptian King, Mohamed Salah, has been the heartbeat of Anfield for years, but whispers of him packing his bags are getting louder than the Kop on matchday. With his deal running to 2027, the Reds could cash in this summer before he legs it for free. And who's the pundit sticking his neck out with a cheeky replacement tip? None other than ex-Chelsea hardman turned telly sage Andy Townsend, chatting to BoyleSports.
Let's rewind a bit. Salah was untouchable last season – PFA Player of the Year, Golden Boot with 29 league strikes, and Liverpool romped to the Premier League crown. Fast forward to now, after 26 games in this campaign, and they're languishing in sixth, a whopping 15 points adrift of Arsenal's flying machines. Mo's haul? A measly four goals. Ouch. Things got proper spicy in November when he aired some laundry about his gaffer Arne Slot, claiming their bromance had gone colder than a Mersey winter. They've patched it up, apparently, but the Saudi rumours and big-money chats won't quit.
Townsend's not piling it all on Salah, mind. 'It's not just Mo,' he reckons. Liverpool's been hotter than a jalapeño one minute, flatter than a pint left out overnight the next. That second half against Man City had glimpses – pressing like demons, backing each other up – but consistency? Nah. Salah's been off the boil since AFCON, not firing on all cylinders like the Salah we know and love. 'Has he got the edge left for Slot?' muses Townsend. Fair question.
And it's not solo Salah strife. Virgil van Dijk hits 35 in July – solid as a rock, but quicker than a pensioner at bingo? Not likely. New kid Florian Wirtz has flashed brilliance in patches, but world-class dominance? Still waiting. Alexis Mac Allister's been peripheral, not bossing midfields like before. Townsend's got question marks over half the squad. Shout-outs though for Dominik Szoboszlai, who's been class, and Hugo Ekitike, who could be Anfield's next big thing if he keeps grafting.
So, if Salah does a runner – and Townsend's betting he will, blaming age or Anfield vibes sapping his spark – who steps up? Real Madrid's Rodrygo's been linked, but Townsend's not sold. 'Great ability, sure, but Galactico? Nah.' Enter stage right: West Ham skipper Jarrod Bowen, England's hammer who could be relegation fodder with the Irons this term. 'Bowen would smash it at Liverpool,' says Townsend. Pace, graft, goals – chuck him on the right with Cody Gakpo and Ekitike up top, and you've got a front three that terrifies defences. Output city.
Picture it: Bowen's relentless running, slotting in like he's been there since the Shankly days. Liverpool need that English steel, not another pricey import who might sulk. Salah's no mug – he's given everything – but football's brutal. Legs slow, numbers dip, time for fresh blood. Townsend nails it: Mo's best days might be in the rearview, no shame in that.
Liverpool fans, it's decision time. Stick with the fading pharaoh or back the bold punt on Bowen? With the title defence in tatters, Arne Slot needs wing magic pronto. Reckon Townsend's onto something? Or is Rodrygo the real deal? Either way, the transfer window's gonna be mental. Cheers to that – another round?