West Ham United have dealt a major blow to Liverpool and their transfer plans by confirming the signing of Jarrod Bowen on a new long-term contract.
The winger’s commitment to the Hammers certainly represents a setback for the Reds, who have seen themselves linked with him over the past year, with recent speculation even suggesting he could be a potential successor to Mohamed Salah.
The 26-year-old England international has now firmly committed his future to David Moyes’ team.
This news will surely be disappointing for Liverpool, who have been following his progress closely.
As Salah continues to shine and showcase his amazing goal-scoring ability for Liverpool, there is a growing possibility of his departure, especially with the lucrative offers from the Saudi League.
This possible decision could take place as early as the next summer window.
West Ham star Jarrod Bowen signs extension deal with Hammers amid Liverpool links.
Here’s what Bowen had to say after extending his contract with West Ham via ECHO:
“I am delighted to have signed a new long-term contract with West Ham. Everyone knows what this club means to me, so setting my future until 2030 means a lot to me and my family.
Pursuing a player like Bowen certainly made sense for Liverpool given Salah’s uncertain future at the club.
No Bowen, no party? However, with Bowen’s new contract at West Ham, Liverpool will have to reconsider their options and explore other ways of strengthening their squad.
Although Salah’s departure is not certain, the club must have a contingency plan in place to ensure a smooth transition should such an eventuality arise.
Liverpool’s recruitment team will likely step up their search efforts to identify potential successors to Salah. Finding a player who fits perfectly into Jurgen Klopp’s system and mimics Salah’s impact will be a priority.
Jarrod Bowen (left) alongside Mohamed Salah during West Ham’s visit to Liverpool earlier this season. Even though Salah’s departure remains uncertain,
Liverpool must have a contingency plan in place to ensure a smooth transition if it happens.
Finding a player like Jarrod Bowen made sense as part of this strategy, but with his new contract at West Ham, Liverpool will need to pivot and consider other options.
Rumors are circulating: Liverpool maintain interest in André from Fluminense
A January move could still be on the cards, but Liverpool’s newfound depth in midfield appears to make it a gamble.
Given the way Liverpool’s 2023/2024 season has unfolded so far, few will be complaining about the club’s summer activities, featuring Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endō as the Reds rebuild their midfield.
One potential signing that got away, however, was 22-year-old Fluminense attacking midfielder André, widely regarded as one of Liverpool’s top targets but a player whose club were unwilling to make a deal due to a poor Copa Libertadores campaign in progress.
Fluminense have since qualified for the final of that competition with André’s help and Liverpool look well stocked in the center of the pitch, but as we head towards another international breakthrough, the rumor mills insist that their interest is not finished.
According to at least 90 Minutes, Liverpool had scouts on hand to watch André and his club beat Internacional last Thursday to confirm their place in the final and keep their interest in him alive. Rumors previously circulated that Fluminense was set for a €25 million sale in January.
After Liverpool failed to sign André this summer – Fluminense demanded a €10m bonus for a summer sale and the player was unwilling to promote a transfer – rumors circulated that Fulham could sign him from Bayern – Objective to replace João Palhinha.
While it is perhaps unsurprising that the player would prefer to join a club competing in Europe, it could be that Liverpool simply do not have room for Andre at the moment, given their midfield signings during the summer and in particular the exceptional performance of young Curtis. Jones did it.
