Jarrod Bowen is linked with a move to Old Trafford (Image: Kevin Hodgson/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
As if the trauma of relegation wasn’t enough, West Ham now face the very real prospect of losing Jarrod Bowen this summer. Manchester United are reportedly among the frontrunners to sign the Hammers’ captaincy, with Liverpool and Chelsea also said to be in the running. The east Londoners are widely expected to cash in on some of their prized assets, with their income expected to fall by £100m due to relegation.
The England international has been one of the top-flight’s most consistent and productive wingers in recent seasons and a quick return to the Premier League will undoubtedly be a big draw, despite his well-documented love for West Ham. Bowen’s contract runs until 2030, but clubs will be in a better position in negotiations given the Hammers’ urgent need for cash.
Strengthening their attacking options will be warmly welcomed by manager Michael Carrick as United prepare for the Champions League.
Bowen could similarly be attracted by the prospect of playing in Europe’s top club competition for the first time.
Such a departure may be acceptable to some West Ham fans, considering he contributed 20 goals and an assist this season despite being part of a struggling side.
However, the forward will deny that he made post-match comments after the 3-0 win over Leeds suggesting he would spearhead West Ham’s promotion push to remain in the Championship.
He said: “I’m under contract here. I’ve been here six-and-a-half years. There have been some really high moments, but this one is the lowest of all.”
“There will be rumours, there will be discussions. Ultimately my idea is to get this club back into the Premier League because that’s where this club should be.”
Bowen detailed his feelings about West Ham’s relegation in an extensive post on Instagram, but could not reveal what role he would play in their return to the Premier League.
Bowen previously hinted he intended to stay at the London Stadium (Image: (Photo Credit: Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images))
“It’s hard to post something like this when all you feel is shame and pain. I could write a lot trying to explain what went wrong this season, but honestly, what you deserve from me is an apology.”
“Winning the trophy in Prague was the best night of my career. Sunday was the worst. We just weren’t good enough. It’s simple, and that’s why the season ended this way.”
“Dear fans, you never let us down. Even when we weren’t good enough on the pitch, your support never changed, home or away. We should have given you more. You deserved more.”
“One thing I know about this club is that they have the desire and fight to recover from this situation. This club is in the Premier League and deserves to get back there as soon as possible.”
A move to Manchester offers Bowen, who joined in 2022, an opportunity to represent the club he admired as a youngster.
His loyalty to the team stems from his admiration for David Beckham, with Sky Sports previously showing a photo of Bowen as a child wearing Beckham’s iconic England No. 7 shirt.
The winger said: “I used to follow Manchester United a little bit when I was a kid, but I think I followed him more because I thought he was cool. As he grew up, I was rooting for Manchester United and trying to imitate him with that picture, but as soon as it was sent to me, I knew it was going to get out there.”
Express sports on FB! Get all the best sports news and more on our Facebook page.
Our community members may receive special offers, promotions, and advertising from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our privacy policy
