Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen has suggested that Mohamed Salah could still return to the club this summer, despite recent indications that the forward would leave on a free transfer. Salah had reportedly reached an agreement to depart Liverpool after publicly criticizing then-manager Arne Slot in December. However, Slot was dismissed and replaced by Andoni Iraola in the closing stages of the season.

Owen said that while it may be unlikely, a reversal of Salah’s departure is not out of the question. “Is it impossible that there’s a U-turn? I don’t think it’s beyond the realms,” Owen stated, noting that Salah had already bid farewell to the club. “If they sacked Slot five games before the end, then maybe a U-turn could have happened then. Maybe it’s still not fully beyond the realms of possibility.”

The former Liverpool forward also commented on potential replacements for Salah, highlighting West Ham United’s Jarrod Bowen as a strong candidate. “Jarrod Bowen is a really good solution” to fill the attacking role left vacant by Salah, Owen said.

Regarding the club’s new manager, Owen expressed optimism about Iraola’s credentials. He described Iraola as “young, hungry” and committed to a style of play familiar to Liverpool fans, particularly from the era under Jurgen Klopp. While acknowledging that new appointments are not always perfect initially, Owen said he is enthusiastic about Iraola’s potential impact at Anfield, adding, “He has the right credentials. I’m excited.”

Liverpool’s future strategy in attack, including whether Salah’s exit will go ahead or be reconsidered, remains a developing story as the club prepares for the upcoming season.