Michael Owen names ideal Liverpool transfer alternative to 'extortionate' Bradley Barcola

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Michael Owen says an ideal Liverpool transfer alternative to the 'extortionate' Bradley Barcola has already been ruled out this summer, leaving the Reds with no choiceMichael Owen and Bradley Barcola.(Image: Getty Images)Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen says the Reds should have signed Jarrod Bowen to replace Mohamed Salah, offering a warning about the pursuit of PSG star Bradley Barcola.Bowen has already committed his future to West Ham even though the Irons will be playing in the Championship next season, while Owen is unsure that Barcola is worth the steep asking price, despite being an elite attacker.So far, the indications are that PSG would command a fee of $173 million (£128 million) or more, with numbers even as high as $193 million (£145 million) having been touted in some quarters."Barcola, he's obviously the big name on everybody's lips, and it sounds like he might be available," Owen told the Liverpool ECHO."It sounds like he's going to be expensive, but they're going to have to make some form of statement signing, of course. And it feels like there's a dearth of them.Bradley Barcola is the subject of transfer interest from Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)"They probably need two.

So, yeah, I mean, they do probably need to invest heavily in that type of position."He seems to be one that's available, that's got the quality. And it sounds like there's no smoke without fire.

It sounds like they'd be interested, but a lot will depend on the price, I guess."With that in mind, Owen is concerned about PSG's valuation and whether the France international will be worth the money at well north of $100M."I mean, I went on record a couple of months ago saying if I was Liverpool, I'd go and try to get Jared Bowen from West Ham to replace Salah," he continued.Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kitThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn moreLiverpool FC have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27, inspired by iconic adidas strip worn during the club's 1989/90 title-winning campaign."I thought that made a lot of sense, but obviously that doesn't look possible anymore, so they're going to have to..."And the problem is everybody knows you're desperate for a top-class player, so you're going to have to pay through the nose."Liverpool.com says: Barcola was never going to be cheap, but as Owen says, part of the issue is that every selling club, whether it is PSG or someone else, knows the situation that the Reds are in.When you are in need of a player in a certain position, that will inevitably take away some leverage.