Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen has expressed surprise and concern at the Reds' transfer business so far this window
Liverpool legend Michael Owen admits he is surprised his former club haven't been more active in the transfer window - and believes they missed a trick in not signing Jarrod Bowen.
The Reds remain in the market for at least one more forward following the departure of Mohamed Salah and long-term injury suffered by Hugo Ekitike.
Having already signed ÂŁ34.5million left-winger Victor Munoz from Osasuna, dialogue remains ongoing with Paris Saint-Germain over a move for France international Bradley Barcola with interest also in the Champions League holders' teenage attacker Ibrahim Mbaye.
But ex-Liverpool striker Owen is adamant there should have been a swoop for Bowen following West Ham United's relegation before the England international signed a new deal at the London Stadium.
Asked if he was surprised by Liverpool's subdued transfer business, he said: "Absolutely, yes. Losing Mo Salah and his goals and assists must be a concern right now. Liverpool need to look to add more depth in the forward areas.
"I would have gone more Jarrod Bowen as one player to come in as I believe he is very talented, Premier League-proven and could have fitted in really well and could have scored plenty of goals.
"Right now it seems Liverpool are putting all their time in looking to secure Barcola from PSG, although at a huge price tag it may mean that one of the attacking players may have to make way for him to join.
"I expect Liverpool to sign another attacking player as Mo leaves a big void and Liverpool do need to strengthen."
Liverpool will hope for more from ÂŁ100million-plus duo striker Alexander Isak and attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz after the latter had adaptation issues last term and the former suffered a host of fitness problems, including four months out with a broken leg.
"He had a tough time last season," said Owen of Isak. "That kind of injury does take a lot of time to recover from and sometimes you only recover to the player you were, not one that can push on even further.
"But if Isak can find the same form that he did for Newcastle, then he can definitely show his worth for Andoni Iraola.
"He is hugely talented as shown for Newcastle and did look good in the World Cup, so hopefully he can be a top striker next season and score plenty.
"With (Florian) Wirtz as well now having one season under his belt, we hope he can find good form."
Curtis Jones, in the last year of his current contract, continues to be linked with a move away from Liverpool with Inter having yet to reach the Reds' valuation of the player and Turkish side Galatasaray also interested.
And Owen, who now helps UK gamblers compare online casinos as the British ambassador for Casino.org, is uneasy at the prospect of new head coach Andoni Iraola soon being without the one senior Scouse member of his squad.
Speaking to the ECHO, Owen added: "Itâs always nice to have homegrown players playing for Liverpool. The fans feel it when you see local players come through the Academy and shine for the first team.
"But look around at other clubs, Jack Grealish came through at Villa and left and got stick, the same with Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool when he left.
"So itâs difficult, but I do have to say, I was a local lad who came through the ranks and played for Liverpool and you could feel it was great."
Liverpool legend Michael Owen admits he is surprised his former club haven't been more active in the transfer window - and believes they missed a trick in not signing Jarrod Bowen.
The Reds remain in the market for at least one more forward following the departure of Mohamed Salah and long-term injury suffered by Hugo Ekitike.
Having already signed ÂŁ34.5million left-winger Victor Munoz from Osasuna, dialogue remains ongoing with Paris Saint-Germain over a move for France international Bradley Barcola with interest also in the Champions League holders' teenage attacker Ibrahim Mbaye.
But ex-Liverpool striker Owen is adamant there should have been a swoop for Bowen following West Ham United's relegation before the England international signed a new deal at the London Stadium.
Asked if he was surprised by Liverpool's subdued transfer business, he said: "Absolutely, yes. Losing Mo Salah and his goals and assists must be a concern right now. Liverpool need to look to add more depth in the forward areas.
"I would have gone more Jarrod Bowen as one player to come in as I believe he is very talented, Premier League-proven and could have fitted in really well and could have scored plenty of goals.
"Right now it seems Liverpool are putting all their time in looking to secure Barcola from PSG, although at a huge price tag it may mean that one of the attacking players may have to make way for him to join.
"I expect Liverpool to sign another attacking player as Mo leaves a big void and Liverpool do need to strengthen."
Liverpool will hope for more from ÂŁ100million-plus duo striker Alexander Isak and attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz after the latter had adaptation issues last term and the former suffered a host of fitness problems, including four months out with a broken leg.
"He had a tough time last season," said Owen of Isak. "That kind of injury does take a lot of time to recover from and sometimes you only recover to the player you were, not one that can push on even further.
"But if Isak can find the same form that he did for Newcastle, then he can definitely show his worth for Andoni Iraola.
"He is hugely talented as shown for Newcastle and did look good in the World Cup, so hopefully he can be a top striker next season and score plenty.
"With (Florian) Wirtz as well now having one season under his belt, we hope he can find good form."
Curtis Jones, in the last year of his current contract, continues to be linked with a move away from Liverpool with Inter having yet to reach the Reds' valuation of the player and Turkish side Galatasaray also interested.
And Owen, who now helps UK gamblers compare online casinos as the British ambassador for Casino.org, is uneasy at the prospect of new head coach Andoni Iraola soon being without the one senior Scouse member of his squad.
Speaking to the ECHO, Owen added: "Itâs always nice to have homegrown players playing for Liverpool. The fans feel it when you see local players come through the Academy and shine for the first team.
"But look around at other clubs, Jack Grealish came through at Villa and left and got stick, the same with Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool when he left.
"So itâs difficult, but I do have to say, I was a local lad who came through the ranks and played for Liverpool and you could feel it was great."
