Steve Bruce has disclosed that Newcastle United came incredibly close to signing Jarrod Bowen before he opted for West Ham United in January 2020.
Bruce, who first signed Bowen for Hull City from non-league Hereford in 2014, was keen on a reunion at St James’ Park. Bowen, who scored 54 goals in 131 appearances for Hull, caught the attention of several Premier League clubs, with the race coming down to West Ham and Newcastle on deadline day. Unfortunately for Bruce and the Magpies, they were unable to meet Hull’s reported £14 million asking price.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Bruce said, “I have a big affinity with him. I brought Jarrod into professional football for just £50,000 when he was 16, so I’ve followed his progress closely. We nearly had him again at Newcastle. I actually had him waiting at Wetherby Services, ready to come to Newcastle, but we couldn’t finalize the deal, and he ended up at West Ham. He’s definitely one that got away.”
Bowen nearly signed for the Toon
Bowen himself has shared his perspective on the transfer saga. Last year, he revealed, “On deadline day, I was sure I was going to Newcastle because of Steve Bruce. I was even looking at houses, thinking it was a done deal. But then, Newcastle backed out over the fee. Hull wanted £14 million plus £6 million in add-ons, which included an England call-up—a milestone I didn’t see happening at the time.”
“I assumed I’d stay at Hull after that. I went to training thinking nothing would change, but then I was told Hull had accepted a bid from West Ham. It was a total surprise.”
A lucky break for us Irons fans, the twist of fate that brought Bowen to the London Stadium is a fortunate stroke of luck. Football is full of near-misses in the transfer market, but this is one instance where West Ham clearly came out on top.