Pundit: Jarrod Bowen not ready to swap West Ham United for Liverpool

We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium

Frank McAvennie doesn’t feel Jarrod Bowen is good enough to start for Liverpool after speculation linking him with a move away from West Ham.

The 25-year-old had a stellar 2021/22 campaign hitting double figures for goals and assists in the Premier League, and that has seen him linked with a move to replace outgoing Sadio Mane at Liverpool.

But according to former defender McAvennie, Bowen could be better off staying at the London Stadium as he’s not ready to go and start at Anfield just yet.

West Ham

“Listen I like Bowen,” he told West Ham Zone. “I’ve got a lot of time for Bowen but he’s not Salah or Mane yet.

“Maybe when he goes there. But they’ve got so many. Oxlade-Chamberlain is still there, isn’t he? He’s got a wonderful talent, he’s not getting in. Would Bowen be the same?

Would he walk into the Liverpool team right now, the way it is? No. Would you go and fight for a place? I would say the boy has got it in his make up to go and fight for a place.

“He’d deserve to be there, but it’s a strange one. Bowen going in for Mane or Salah, it’s not like for like. He’s had a wonderful season but not long ago he was non-league wasn’t he. I would think he’d be a good option for the Liverpool squad, but not a replacement for Salah or Mane.

West Ham

Bowen has three years remaining on his current contract at the London Stadium and the club currently have no intention of listening to any offers for him.

But interest and actual offers are very different things and if Liverpool firm up their interest with a bid then the player’s will could play a part.

In other West Ham news, the club have postponed contract talks with two first-team stars according to ExWHUemployee

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