A Jarrod Bowen clause could allow the West Ham captain to leave for just £15million next summer if the club fail to win promotion.
talkSPORT reports that the escape route forms part of the agreement which convinced Bowen to stay and lead the Hammers in the Championship this season.
Bowen attracted Premier League interest following relegation but chose to remain at the London Stadium. The 29-year-old has committed himself to helping Nuno Espírito Santo take West Ham straight back into the top flight.
However, the new detail significantly raises the stakes. If West Ham spend another season outside the Premier League, Bowen could become available for a fraction of his usual market value.
Jarrod Bowen clause puts pressure on West Ham
talkSPORT now reports that Bowen can leave for £15million if West Ham fail to secure promotion. The England international had interest from Chelsea and Everton this summer, while Liverpool have also admired him.
West Ham already knew they risked losing their captain if they failed to go up. ReadWestHam reported in July that Bowen’s revised terms contained a reduced release clause linked to promotion, although the figure had not been disclosed at that stage.
The £15m valuation changes the significance of that agreement. West Ham would struggle to replace Bowen’s goals, leadership and Championship experience for anything close to that amount.
It also puts the club’s wider decisions into sharper focus. ReadWestHam explained earlier today how the £150m ownership battle could shape Nuno’s promotion campaign, with Amanda Staveley and Daniel Kretinsky competing for greater influence.
Nuno needs the strongest possible squad if West Ham want to avoid testing the Jarrod Bowen clause next summer. The club have already sold several important players and continue to pursue reinforcements before the Championship season begins.
Bowen has given West Ham one season to get back to the Premier League with him at the heart of the team. Failure could now cost them their captain for only £15m.
