Jurgen Klopp's 'favorite player' makes surprising decision after transfer interest
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Liverpool and Manchester United were both linked with Jarrod Bowen following West Ham's relegation to the Championship, but the English winger is staying at the London StadiumJurgen Klopp is a huge fan of Jarrod Bowen(Image: Getty Images)Jarrod Bowen, who former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp once described as his "favorite" player, is staying at West Ham this summer.It was initially unclear whether Bowen, 29, would remain at the London Stadium after West Ham's relegation from the Premier League in May. The Hammers, who are preparing for their first Championship campaign in 15 years, announced on Friday that their skipper will try to help them make an immediate return to the Premier League rather than complete a summer move.Many Liverpool fans would've been keen on signing Bowen, who scored nine goals and produced 11 assists in the Premier League last season.
Klopp is certainly a fan of the Englishman.Speaking ahead of a Carabao Cup quarterfinal clash between Liverpool and West Ham in December 2023, Klopp said: "Bowen steps up in that position (striker) — probably my favorite player, besides all my players."Bowen is a winger by trade but has been deployed in several positions, including center-forward, when required. Klopp added: "I have to say, it's just great what he's doing and how he's developed."Bowen is staying at West Ham(Image: Getty Images)Bowen was regarded as one of the most consistent forwards in the Premier League prior to West Ham's relegation.
Remarkably, that works out as a goal contribution every other game.Explaining his decision to stay at West Ham, Bowen said on Friday: "My main motivation is staying and bringing this club back to the Premier League where we belong."He added: "Ultimately, it (relegation) hurt everyone, and it should hurt everyone."Bowen continued: "For me, when you're here for a longer amount of time, you gain more affection, you grow into the club more, you grow into your role more and more, and I think that's what I've done."I've been here six and a half years and transitioned from a boy to a man, and I've never tried to hide away from anything."There are things you can do better, but certainly in my character on the pitch and off the pitch, I never try and hide away from anything and shift the blame."I always try and stand up for them and just kind of live my life as captain of West Ham and also as a fan as well."I see myself in years to come as a West Ham fan. For me, I think I'm like that character as well, so I think that's the way."