Steve Bruce remains keen on Hull City’s Jarrod Bowen, and according to the Northern Echo he will continue to recommend his signing to the Newcastle board.
Bowen was a name mentioned over the summer and he was frequently linked with a move to the north-east, though a deal never looked like being completed.
Instead, the Magpies went for Allan Saint-Maximin, who has since been a success, but with Bowen continuing to impress in the Championship it is understandable that Bruce hasn’t yet given up hope of signing him.
The 22-year-old started out at Hull and has served them well, especially in recent years with 22 league goals scored last term, and since his contract could last until 2021 they are not yet in a position where they need to consider a sale.
That explains the asking price of £20m, which is quite a significant fee for a player who has never played above the Championship, though given Bruce’s desire to bring him in it is possible that Mike Ashley could back him once more.
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So, would he be a good addition for Newcastle? Here’s what our Football FanCast writers think.
Vijievan Jeevathayalan
“Having been monitored by the club earlier in the summer, a Newcastle swoop for Jarrod Bowen makes perfect sense. The Hull City winger has been in prolific form for the Tigers this season, notching ten goals in just 17 games across all competitions.
“Despite the capture of Allan Saint-Maximin, Steve Bruce’s side could really do with a goal-scoring winger, particularly in light of the troubles Miguel Almiron has faced since his arrival at the club. The Paraguay international has gone 22 games without finding the back of the net for the club, and Bowen could end Almiron’s misery.
“The 22-year-old has played 13 times in the right-wing role for Hull this year, the exact position Almiron currently occupies without success at St James’ Park. A January move could bring Newcastle an added goal threat, and someone to replace their struggling Paraguayan. It really would be a case of killing two birds with one stone.”
Billy Meyers
“I have nothing against Newcastle signing Jarrod Bowen, and I feel that it would be a good move for both the Magpies and for the attacker himself.
“However, given the fact that the Hull forward plays in the same role as Miguel Almiron, I feel that Steve Bruce should instead try his best to squeeze some decent form out of the misfiring £20m Paraguay international before he spends another sum of around £20m on someone else.
“Bowen is a prolific scorer at Championship level but he is unproven in the Premier League – Newcastle simply can’t afford to be lumbered with two expensive flops, and it wouldn’t be a good scenario to be in as Mike Ashley may not be encouraged to spend any more after seeing two costly signings struggle.
“There are definitely more pressing areas that need investment at St James’ Park, such as in the full-back areas, so for now I think Newcastle should steer clear of a move for Bowen.”
Lewis Blain
“Jarrod Bowen is going to be an outstanding piece of business for someone in the Premier League, so Newcastle need to ensure it’s them. At first glance, another winger is certainly not needed with Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron holding down either spot alongside Joelinton, but any opportunity to add such a goal threat should be capitalised on. Per Transfermarkt, Bowen has netted ten goals from 17 appearances, primarily from the right-wing. A position where Almiron is yet to score or even assist from.
“Spurs came calling in January for him so if he’s able to attract the Champions League finalists, then he’s going to be well-sought after in the near future. The St James’ Park faithful will love him too. He’s hard-working, young and English. They’d get right behind him to succeed. No player in the Magpies squad records more shots per game than he does with an average of 3.5 while his ability to come back and defend only opens up the playbook for Bruce with the 22-year-old averaging 1.4 tackles per game.
“The best teams in the division do not stop improving and just because they already have options in the role doesn’t mean they should avoid a potential upgrade. They could well rue the decision not to act here.”
Kealan Hughes
“This is the type of signing Newcastle should be making and the only thing that raises any doubt is the price tag, as like other recent signings he is yet to prove himself in the Premier League.
“He has undoubted quality though, and is still young. Bruce could be the ideal manager to integrate him into life in the top division but you feel he’d have to play regularly to adjust properly, and that could not only disrupt players like Almiron but also the squad as a whole.
“While Almiron is yet to display the necessary quality in the final third, he does work tirelessly for the team and his absence could be noticeable, particuarly if Bowen takes a while to get up and running.
“Despite that, it is a deal Newcastle should look to get done, as if he does well it could benefit the club on the pitch, and possibly off it too as his value would increase dramatically due to him being young and English.”