NOT every player takes the same path to the top.

While England’s Euro 2024 squad is full of stars who appeared destined for the big time from a young age (see Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka), there are others whose route was less conventional. Jarrod Bowen, for example, was still playing in the Championship at the age of 23.

Now, though, Bowen is an established member of Gareth Southgate’s squad. Competition to make an England squad has never been stiffer, particularly in the wide attacking positions, yet Bowen stands a good chance of being on the plane to Germany this summer. He could be set for an impactful tournament.

A big Euros would only intensify the speculation around Bowen and his club future. Newcastle United are believed to be interested in the 27-year-old while Liverpool have been mentioned as potential suitors in the past. Only six months ago, Jurgen Klopp described Bowen as his “favourite player.”

Bowen’s development over the last four seasons at West Ham has been remarkable. Signed for £22m from Hull City in January 2020, he has improved all areas of his game with this season the best goalscoring campaign of his career – Bowen found the back of the 20 times in all competitions for the Hammers. 

Not many players are more devastating than Bowen when he gets in behind the opposition backline. West Ham have other star attackers in the form of Mohamed Kudus and Lucas Paqueta, but they play to the strengths of Bowen over any other player. The England international is proven at the top level.

 

There isn’t a Premier League team that wouldn’t be improved by the signing of Bowen. Newcastle would be the perfect fit for the 27-year-old whose pace and incisiveness in the attacking third would lift the level of a side that plays in quick transition, but the same could be said of Tottenham Hotspur and the way they play under Ange Postecoglou.

Liverpool have Mohamed Salah on the right wing, but speculation continues to swirl around the Egyptian forward’s future. There was interest from the Saudi Pro League last summer and it’s possible Liverpool’s resolve could be tested by another offer for their top scorer. Bowen would fit the bill as well as anyone to replace Salah at Anfield.

Leon Bailey performed well for Aston Villa on the right wing this season, but Bowen would be an upgrade on the Jamaican international who has struggled for consistency in front of goal throughout his career. This isn’t a problem for Bowen who would play in the Champions League were he to make the move to Villa Park. 

Manchester United could be in the market for a new wide attacker this summer if Anthony is sold and Jadon Sancho stays at Borussia Dortmund. They too would be stronger for the addition of Bowen. Even Manchester City could a more orthodox wide option on the right side with Bernardo Silva more likely to cut inside than drive at an opposition defender.

 

As a West Ham player, Bowen has made himself one of the most reliable attacking difference-makers in the Premier League. The London Stadium club gave the winger a platform to develop with Bowen part of a team that won the Europa Conference League last season and reached the Europa League quarter-finals this season.

This summer, however, presents Bowen with a career crossroads. David Moyes is gone and has been replaced by Julen Lopetegui who might not give the England international so much freedom to play his natural game in the final third. This might be the right jumping off point for Bowen to take the next step.

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