Robbie Fowler names Premier League striker as ideal summer signing | OneFootball

Robbie Fowler Backs Proven Premier League Striker for Liverpool Role

When a striker of Robbie Fowler’s pedigree speaks, people listen. The former Liverpool great, whose 183-goal tally puts him among the pantheon of Anfield legends, has identified one name he believes could lead the line for the Reds—Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.

Photo: IMAGO

Speaking candidly during a fan Q&A on social media, Fowler replied to a supporter’s query about Liverpool’s striker options with a typically succinct endorsement: “I’d take Ollie Watkins… works hard, got goals in him.”

That sentiment, shared by Robbie Fowler, reflects more than just nostalgia or sentimentality. It underlines a pragmatic view of what Liverpool may need this summer if Darwin Núñez departs.

Watkins brings goals and graft

Watkins’ Premier League output is no accident. He has scored at least 11 league goals in each of his five top-flight campaigns, a feat that speaks to his consistency. His 17 goals in all competitions for Aston Villa last season were bettered by only Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo in the Liverpool squad.

Photo: IMAGO

Fowler earlier described Watkins as “a tremendous player and established and experienced in the Premier League,” underlining the blend of quality and know-how he could offer. Importantly, Watkins is also robust. While Diogo Jota’s recurring injuries have disrupted Liverpool’s attacking rhythm, Watkins has been a near ever-present for Villa.

Age profile versus proven ability

At 29, Watkins sits outside the usual FSG recruitment profile, where value and resale potential are prized. Yet, this may be a summer of exceptions. Arne Slot’s Liverpool is emerging from a transitional period, and while the club is reportedly investing heavily in Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, having a guaranteed goalscorer ready to plug straight into the starting XI could be vital.

Photo: IMAGO

Moreover, Watkins qualifies as homegrown and wouldn’t need time to acclimatise to the pace and rigour of English football. With Darwin Núñez reportedly considering a fresh start, and the forward line yet to find its post-Klopp rhythm, the argument for a reliable No. 9 grows stronger.

Financial challenge ahead

As Fowler hints, landing a player like Watkins won’t come cheap. With Aston Villa unlikely to welcome offers below premium market value, Liverpool would likely have to shell out a significant fee.

Still, if Liverpool are serious about growing the gap at the top and reasserting domestic dominance, they may need to revisit their transfer rulebook. Watkins, by all accounts, looks like a ready-made solution.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

There’s a strange tension at Anfield these days: one part looking forward under Arne Slot, another still clinging to echoes of the Klopp era. In that space, the idea of signing Ollie Watkins feels both logical and jarring.

Logical because he guarantees goals, runs himself into the ground for the team, and is Premier League-proven. Jarring because, at 29, he’s not the shiny, untapped gem FSG usually pursue.

It’s hard not to see the appeal. Watkins doesn’t need adaptation time. He won’t hide in big games. He doesn’t miss two months with a hamstring strain. And if Núñez is heading out, we can’t afford to be sentimental or naive in our pursuit of a replacement.

But the concern is whether FSG would be willing to spend £60 million-plus on someone without resale value. If we’re already investing heavily in Wirtz and Frimpong, would they go that far?

In truth, it’s not about age. It’s about what the squad needs. And if Robbie Fowler is pointing toward Watkins, maybe it’s time the club listened—not just to data models, but to those who’ve worn the shirt and scored the goals.