Liverpool dealt blow in pursuit of Mohamed Salah's replacement

Cameron Smith

9 Oct 2023 00:15 CDT
4 min read

Jurgen Klopp, Mohamed Salah, Liverpool — © ProShots

Liverpool’s hopes of signing Jarrod Bowen as a replacement for Mohamed Salah have hit a major hurdle, with the Englishman signing a new contract at West Ham United that runs until 2030.

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Salah, 31, remains at Anfield after heavy rumours that he would leave the club during the summer transfer window, but interest from the Saudi Pro League is set to resurface in January.

The Egypt international is reportedly happy at Liverpool, but Saudi Arabia are desperate to land the forward as they continue to poach some of Europe’s best footballers.

Al-Ittihad are prepared to make Salah the most expensive player in history (the current record is Neymar’s €222 million transfer to PSG), and given he has just under two years left on his Liverpool contract, they may feel obliged to sell while his value remains high.

As exclusively reported by FootballTransfers in August, Liverpool had identified Bowen as a possible replacement for Salah if he does leave Anfield.

Sources told us that Jurgen Klopp believes Bowen could represent an ideal signing to bolster the Liverpool squad in the event that Salah departs.

Bowen signs new West Ham contract?

Bowen, 26, has scored five goals and provided one assist in eight Premier League appearances so far this season, as West Ham sit sixth in the top flight table.

The Englishman, who has four Three Lions caps to his name, bagged 13 goals and eight assists in all competitions last campaign.

However, unfortunately for Liverpool, West Ham have now confirmed that Bowen has extended his stay at the club.

The Hereford Hammer is here to stay. ⚒️❤️#Bowen2030 pic.twitter.com/jv22MbSrqU
— West Ham United (@WestHam) October 8, 2023

Bowen’s existing contract was due to expire in 2025, but he has now signed a new deal that runs until 2030.

As a result, his transfer value is expected to soar, with West Ham unlikely to let him leave for cheap so soon after sealing his future for the next seven years.

Therefore, Liverpool will likely have to turn elsewhere as they look to identify a possible replacement for Salah. Wolves' Pedro Neto is an option, as previously reported by FootballTransfers, although Arsenal are also interested in the Portuguese star.