West Ham must repeat Bowen transfer trick to land replacement for injured England star

Cameron Smith

• 9 Jan 2024 16:55 CST
• 4 min read

West Ham United have suffered yet another major blow following news that Jarrod Bowen is set to endure a lengthy spell on the treatment table.

Bowen, 27, was injured during the Hammers’ 1-1 draw against Bristol Rovers in the FA Cup third round on Saturday, and was seen hobbling off the pitch after playing the full 90 minutes.

The England international scored West Ham’s only goal of the game, but he is now set to be absent for several weeks due to injury.

According to TalkSPORT, Bowen could miss a “lengthy” amount of time and his place in England’s squad for the 2024 Euros could be at risk. Furthermore, his injury has come at the worst possible time for David Moyes.

The West Ham manager is already without Michail Antonio and Lucas Paqueta due to injury, while fellow star forward Mohammed Kudus is currently on international duty with Ghana for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Bowen has 14 goals and five assists in 26 games this season and he has been one of the main reasons why West Ham find themselves in the race for European football once again this campaign.

However, their attacking unit has suffered a major blow in recent weeks and news of Bowen’s injury is a disaster for Moyes.

As a result, dipping into the January transfer market is absolutely essential if Bowen is to be missing for several weeks and months.

Why West Ham should sign Sunderland’s Jack Clarke

According to Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth, West Ham are interested in signing Sunderland star Jack Clarke as they look to bolster their attacking options.

The Black Cats are under no pressure to let him go, however, as Clarke is under contract at the Stadium of Light until 2026.

But, interest from West Ham will come as no surprise given his form this season.

The former Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds United winger has 12 goals and two assists in 26 Championship appearances in 2023-24, and he is currently Sunderland’s top goal-scorer in all competitions.

The 23-year-old has stepped up following the end of Amad Diallo’s loan spell at the club and has been Sunderland’s standout performer this term. Although Jobe Bellingham (brother of Real Madrid superstar Jude) may have garnered more high-profile transfer interest, Clarke has attracted suitors from across England, including West Ham.

Bowen typically plays on the right flank or through the middle and while Clarke is a specialist left-winger, the versatility of Paqueta and Kudus means the Sunderland man would fit in nicely alongside West Ham’s current options.

Crucially, he would be an upgrade on Said Benrahma, who has been underwhelming since his move from Brentford and has been linked with a January exit.

West Ham need attacking reinforcements following Bowen’s injury and Clarke fits the bill perfectly. Furthermore, the Hammers have enjoyed real success in buying from the Championship in recent years, as seen by the addition of Bowen, and Clarke could be the next to follow suit.