Jarrod Bowen could reportedly reverse his previous commitment to West Ham as Manchester United are among the clubs said to be interested in the England international this summer
As if the heartbreak of relegation wasn’t sufficient, West Ham now confront the genuine possibility of losing captain Jarrod Bowen this summer. Manchester United are said to be among the leading contenders for the Hammers skipper, with Liverpool and Chelsea also reportedly monitoring the situation.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are widely anticipated to sell several key players, with relegation expected to reduce their income by £100million. England international Bowen has been one of the most reliable and effective wingers in the Premier League in recent years and, despite his well-publicised love for West Ham, a quick return to the top flight would surely prove tempting.
The captain’s contract doesn’t expire until 2030, though clubs are likely to find themselves in a favourable bargaining position given the Hammers’ pressing need for finances. United are preparing for Champions League football and strengthening their forward line would be welcomed by manager Michael Carrick.
Bowen might also be attracted by the opportunity to feature in Europe’s elite club competition for the first time. Some fans may understand a desire for a move but the former Hull star’s post-match remarks following the final day win over Leeds suggested he could yet stay in the Championship to lead West Ham’s promotion campaign.
“I’m under contract here. I’ve been here six and a half years. I’ve had some really high moments and this is a low moment that will outweigh everything,” Bowen said.
“There’s going to be rumours, there’s going to be talk. Ultimately, what I see is getting this club back in the Premier League because that is where it deserves to be.”
Bowen elaborated further in a lengthy Instagram post, though he stopped short of confirming his role in their attempt to secure promotion back to the Premier League.
He wrote: “It’s hard to post something like this when all you’re feeling is embarrassment and pain. I could write loads trying to explain where it all went wrong this season, but honestly what you deserve from me is an apology.
“Winning that trophy in Prague was the best night of my career. Sunday was the worst. We just weren’t good enough. Simple as that. And that’s why the season ended the way it did.
“To the fans, you didn’t let us down once. The support home and away never changed, even when things weren’t good enough from us on the pitch. We should have given you more. You deserved more.
“One thing I know about this club is that it has the desire and fight to bounce back from this. This club belongs in the Premier League and deserves to be back there as soon as possible.”
A move to Manchester would present Bowen with the chance to play for the club he supported as a boy, having spoken about his fandom in 2022. His loyalty to the club originated from his admiration for David Beckham, with Sky Sports having previously shown an image of Bowen as a youngster wearing an England jersey with Beckham’s No. 7 on the back.
The 29-year-old said: “I followed Manchester United a bit growing up, as well, but I think I more followed him (Beckham) because I thought he was cool. Him growing up, me supporting Manchester United, trying to copy him with that picture and, as soon as I got sent it, I knew it was going out.”
