Yesterday, according to the Daily Mail, and as written about here on The72, Leeds United were said to be interested in landing Hull City attacker Jarrod Bowen as they looked to fill the gap left by Samu Saiz’s departure.
United fans will have a chance to see Bowen up close and personal on Saturday, when the Tigers come to Elland Road to try derail Leeds’ seven game win streak. In Bowen, Hull City have just the man who could do that.
Last season the 22-year-old Bowen scored 14 goals and provided two assists in 42 Sky Bet Championship games. This season, in an under-firing Tigers side, Bowen has still sparked and provided eight goals, including braces against QPR and Swansea, as well as three assists.
The Daily Mail’s Amitai Winehouse says that the Tigers value Bowen “in excess of £6.5m” adding that “Leeds are hopeful of securing him for less.” However, this reported interest comes with a dangerous caveat attached to it – others are interested in bringing in Bowen.
Winehouse also warns that sides such as Premier League Brighton and Newcastle United are also interested in the more-than-productive young winger. In that respect Leeds United, despite supposedly being confident of getting him a little cheaply, will still be facing Premier League money should interest firm up somewhat.
Bowen’s manager, Nigel Adkins, has also gone on record to warn interested clubs that they will not be getting the exciting youngster on the cheap. In speaking to the Hull Daily Mail, Adkins says: “If anyone does want to come and get a Jarrod Bowen, you’re not going to get him on the cheap because the owner is selling the club. We’re in a position where we don’t need to.”
Yesterday, the story was also kyboshed by reporter Phil Hay, a respected voice on Leeds United who writes for the Yorkshire Evening Post.
The72 Verdict
Leeds United do need to replace Samu Saiz, that much is clear to see. The Spaniard was a special type of player who, on his day, was hard to play against. Jarrod Bowen is not Samu Saiz, so he’d not be that direct replacement for the departing Spanish magician.
However, he offers a different dimension to his play that Samu did. He’s got goals in him, eight goals this season for a struggling Hull City. It is the former Hereford youngster’s goals that have helped stablilise a somewhat rocky Hull City. So, yes, bringing in Jarrod Bowen would make sense for Leeds United.
On the balance of things though, it looks to be more ethereal in nature than anything of substance. Faced with Premier League interest, and Hull City’s understanding of Bowen’s capabilities, this would indicate wishful thinking rather than certain buying for Leeds United fans to chew over.
