Leeds United were in the mix to sign Hull City’s Jarrod Bowen in the January transfer window, but the Premier League clubs were always going to be favourites to get him. The Whites reportedly ( The Daily mail) made a £3m loan move for the Hull City ace and the transfer would have been turned permanent for £15m if the Whites moved up a division. However, the Tigers rejected that, and they agreed on a reported fee of £22m (The Guardian) from West Ham for Bowen on the last day of the transfer window.
Why Leeds can sign Bowen for £20m
The winger signed a five and a half year deal with the Hammers showing his long term commitment with the London club. However, reports mention that West Ham and Bowen agreed on a relegation release clause which is set at just £20m. Hence, if Hammers go down to the Championship, then Leeds United and other clubs could prise him away for £20m.
Leeds United were willing to offer £18m for Bowen earlier in January. We believe that they could very much go and pay £20m for him if they secure promotion back to the top flight. West Ham are currently in the midst of a relegation scrap, and they occupy the 18th spot on the league table after the latest round of results in the Premier League.
West Ham going down a division is a distinct possibility at the moment, and there is no doubt that quite a few clubs would eye that release clause of Bowen’s if he suffers a demotion back to the Championship. The London club recently played out a 3-3 draw against Brighton and Hove Albion where the Hammers led twice by two goals but threw away their lead in the end.
It remains to be seen how Bowen would go about his business in the Premier League. He was a prolific goal scorer at the Championship level, and there is no doubt to us that he would have a positive impact for West ham. The English talent would need to get used to his new club soon as the club desperately needs some firepower to stay up.
Should Leeds target Bowen again if things go their way?
However, Leeds United cannot contemplate on the future for now, and they would need to get their job done on the field. The Whites’ latest defeat against Wigan Athletic once again showed their inability to put the ball in the back of the net. Hopefully, the new signings would reap dividends soon and propel the team towards promotion. If that happens and if the Hammers go down, then the Whites should consider going after Bowen as he can be a handy player due to his goal-scoring prowess and ability to play in various roles in the attacking third.
