My move to Newcastle United was ‘almost done’ but they wouldn’t pay up

Jarrod Bowen recently disclosed how close he came to joining Newcastle United, only for the deal to collapse due to the club’s unwillingness to meet the required fee.

Bowen, who at the time was playing for Hull City, was so certain of the move that he began house-hunting in the North East. Reuniting with his former Hull City manager Steve Bruce seemed inevitable, but a last-minute change of plans redirected his career.

Steve Bruce, eager to bring Bowen to Newcastle, even had him waiting at Wetherby Services, prepared to make the journey north.

However, Newcastle’s hierarchy at the time refused to spend a substantial sum on a player who had never played in the Premier League and had only a short time remaining on his Hull City contract. The proposed transfer fee proved to be the stumbling block, despite Bruce’s confidence in Bowen’s abilities.

While Newcastle hesitated, West Ham United seized the opportunity. The Hammers paid £14 million upfront, with an additional £6 million in potential add-ons, to secure Bowen’s signature in January 2020.

The decision turned out to be a masterstroke. Bowen has since become a cornerstone of West Ham’s success, scoring 67 goals for the club and cementing his legacy with a decisive goal in the Europa Conference League final.

Reflecting on the near-move, Bowen expressed his gratitude to Steve Bruce for recognizing his potential and giving him a platform at Hull City. Speaking to Sky Sports, Bowen recounted the pivotal moments of his career and the connection he shared with Bruce. Despite the failed transfer to Newcastle, Bowen acknowledged Bruce’s influence in shaping his football journey.

Bowen described the situation as surreal, explaining how close he felt to donning the Newcastle jersey. He recalled waiting at the service station, unsure whether his destination would be Newcastle or London.

In the end, West Ham swooped in and made their move, providing him with the platform to shine in the Premier League. Bowen admitted that once the deal with West Ham was completed, he never looked back.

The missed opportunity for Newcastle highlighted a recurring issue during that period of the club’s history. Financial caution often prevented the Magpies from securing players who could have made a significant impact. Bowen’s trajectory serves as a reminder of what might have been, especially considering his accomplishments at West Ham.

Bowen’s gratitude towards Bruce also extended to his time at Hull City, where he initially joined the club on a free transfer from Hereford. Bruce played a crucial role in Bowen’s development, offering him his first significant opportunity in professional football.

Reflecting on his journey, Bowen emphasized the importance of those formative years under Bruce’s guidance, which set the stage for his rise to prominence.

Looking back on the saga, Bowen admitted that the uncertainty of deadline day was a defining moment in his career. The dramatic twist of events, from preparing to head north to ultimately moving south, proved to be a turning point. His decision to join West Ham instead of Newcastle allowed him to flourish in a team that valued his talent and ambition.

Bowen’s story is a testament to how one decision can shape a player’s career. While Newcastle missed out on a potential game-changer, West Ham gained a player who has become integral to their success.

For Bowen, the move to London marked the beginning of an impressive chapter, filled with individual milestones and team triumphs. As he continues to shine for West Ham, it’s clear that his journey, while unexpected, has been nothing short of remarkable.