Kevin Nolan expressed his surprise regarding the lengthy contract extension that Jarrod Bowen signed with West Ham United. The club’s official website reported on October 8 that Bowen had committed to the team until 2030.
Nolan, a coach at West Ham, shared his delight about the news on talkSPORT, stating that negotiations for the contract extension had been ongoing for about a year. He acknowledged that such negotiations take time, as players have their demands. However, he believed that Bowen’s outstanding club performance this year justified the extension. Nolan admitted to being taken aback by the contract’s duration, expiring in 2030, but he also pointed out that Bowen is a young player entering what is considered his prime years.
He emphasized that modern footballers can perform at a high level well into their mid-thirties, and at 26 years old, Bowen’s contract would take him until 33 or 34. Nolan was optimistic about Bowen’s potential, praising his talent, fantastic attitude, and eagerness to continually improve.
Bowen had recently been linked to a possible departure from West Ham, with several Premier League clubs expressing interest in him, which wasn’t surprising considering his remarkable performances in the English top-flight in recent seasons.
The winger had a strong start to the current season, with impressive stats of five goals and two assists in nine appearances across all competitions. His dynamic playing style, particularly his dribbling ability, made him a vital player for manager David Moyes.
Bowen’s impressive club performances didn’t go unnoticed by England manager Gareth Southgate, who recalled him to the national team for the current international break. Bowen even had a chance of starting for the Three Lions this month, as Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka withdrew from the squad due to injury.