Why Jarrod Bowen needs West Ham promotion to break one major club record

Jarrod Bowen needs four goals to overtake Michail Antonio as West Ham's all-time top Premier League goalscorer.

West Ham knew that relegation from the Premier League was going to have a massive impact on their squad, with a host of high-profile departures on the cards.

That proved to be the case, with El Hadji Malick Diouf, Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville among those to move on, although they did command huge fees.

Yet, that enabled West Ham to keep some players that fans had expected to lose, with Taty Castellanos and Konstantinos Mavropanos sticking around in the Championship.

Jarrod Bowen has shown real loyalty to West Ham

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Whilst keeping the duo was very impressive, there’s no denying that Jarrod Bowen agreeing to stay was the biggest statement of intent for the Hammers in the summer window.

The winger was a consistent goalscorer in the Premier League over the years, and, even when the Irons were relegated last season, he still managed a remarkable nine goals and 11 assists.

So, there’s no doubting Bowen’s ability, and you could make a strong case to say that the majority of top flight clubs would’ve taken the England international if he was available.

But, the 29-year-old has a real connection with the club he joined in January 2020, and there have been some memorable highs in that period, which includes winning the Conference League.

Jarrod Bowen will be eyeing West Ham Premier League record

That helped convince Bowen to stay at the London Stadium, but his only focus right now will be ensuring West Ham get back to the top flight, whether that’s via the top two or the play-offs.

Of course, he won’t need extra motivation to deliver that for West Ham, but Bowen is closing in on a club record for the club - which depends on the team playing in the Premier League.

That’s because he is three goals behind Michail Antonio on 65 as the Irons’ all-time top scorer in the Premier League.

You would expect Bowen to do that with ease if Nuno Espírito Santo’s side win promotion, and whilst the personal accolades will not be a priority for the player, it would be nice for him to make that little bit of history.

West Ham must win promotion to keep Jarrod Bowen

Even though Bowen surprised many by committing to West Ham for this season, it’s difficult to think that will happen for the 2027/28 campaign.

Bowen has already sacrificed a year at his peak to play at a lower level, so he won’t want to do it again, and, even from West Ham’s perspective, another year outside the Premier League will have financial ramifications.

It has already been reported that a release clause is in place if West Ham don’t win promotion, and, providing he stays fit, that could make Bowen a very attractive option to suitors in 10 months time.

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So, the Hammers and Bowen know that the only way he can break the record is if this season is a successful one.

Jarrod Bowen is key to West Ham’s promotion hopes this season

Following on from that, all connected to the club are aware of just how important Bowen is to their promotion hopes.

He has already shown that in the opening month of the campaign, weighing in with three goals and two assists after just six games.

Despite that excellent return, it still feels like he hasn’t been at his best level, and he is continuing to develop an understanding with some new teammates.

That’s something that should worry West Ham’s Championship rivals, as Bowen has the ability to inspire his team to promotion with his ability.