Jarrod Bowen urged to make ‘logical’ Premier League switch if West Ham are relegated

Darren Bent believes Jarrod Bowen needs to make the ‘logical move’ and join Newcastle should West Ham be relegated.

As it stands, the Hammers could be relegated on Tuesday evening if Tottenham get a result against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

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A win for Roberto De Zerbi’s side would make relegation official, while a draw would mean West Ham could still draw level on points but face an insurmountable goal difference.

Momentum is not with West Ham either, having lost their last three league fixtures while Spurs have taken eight points from their last four games.

It means the Hammers will likely need to consider their future in the Championship, with the drop almost certain to bring about a number of big player sales.

One of which could be skipper Bowen, who has been with the club since January 2020.

Bowen is a much-adored figure among the Hammers faithful, especially because he scored the winner in the 2023 Conference League final against Fiorentina that landed the club’s first trophy in 43 years.

The winger has made over 270 appearances for West Ham and is 16 goals shy of 100 with the club.

However, Bowen, a 22-cap England international, could elect to put his own career first if it does prove to be doomsday for the Hammers.

Should that be the case, several Premier League clubs will be ready to swoop, especially if they can land a cut-price deal for a player already established in the top flight.

Bent backs Newcastle for Bowen

Speaking on talkSPORT Drive, Bent named Newcastle above their rivals as the one that made the most sense should he opt not to stay and help the Hammers get out of the Championship.

“For me, the logical move for Jarrod Bowen, if he was to leave West Ham and stay in the Premier League, would be Newcastle,” Bent said.

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The former Aston Villa striker added Bowen could net West Ham ‘£40 or £50million’.

A sale of that figure would go some way to helping the Hammers get out of their impending financial black hole, with The Guardian reporting the club will need to raise over £100m to avoid breaching either Premier League or EFL financial rules.

How Newcastle could soon have the cash for Bowen

Newcastle could soon find themselves cash-rich given they too will need to make a big sale this summer, with Anthony Gordon expected to be the player that departs.

talkSPORT understands Gordon has already agreed personal terms with German giants Bayern Munich.

As for Newcastle’s options on the right wing, which is where Bowen plays, they have Anthony Elanga and Jacob Murphy in their ranks.

Elanga joined last summer but has largely struggled to find his feet while Bowen would represent an immediate upgrade over the 31-year-old Murphy.

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Regardless of where Bowen ends up, Bent believes the West Ham skipper has to put himself first.

When asked by Drive co-host Andy Goldstein whether Bowen should stay or go, Bent replied: “I think you’ve got to stay in the Premier League as long as possible.

“I remember when I dropped out of the Premier League, I thought I’d come back and I never did. I was desperate to come back.”