Image Credits: Imago Images
It’s set to a summer of painful goodbyes for West Ham United.
Since their relegation from the Premier League at the end of the 2025/26 season, their first drop to the Championship in 14 years, the Hammers have been bracing for an inevitable fire sale.
The first major departure is already set to go through. Midfielder Mateus Fernandes, who caught the eye with four goals and four assists in 38 appearances last season, is set for a £85 million move to Tottenham Hotspur – a deal confirmed as a club-record fee for Spurs.
Manchester United pushed hard for the 21-year-old Portuguese international, but ultimately baulked at the price tag, allowing Tottenham to swoop in and seal the deal.
It is a bitter pill for West Ham fans, who watched a player they bought for £38 million from Southampton just last summer walk out the door.
And Fernandes may not be the only one heading for the exit. Netherlands winger Crysencio Summerville, one of West Ham’s brightest performers last season despite their struggles, is also expected to leave.
Yet the departure that would truly break the hearts of the Hammers faithful would be that of captain Jarrod Bowen. The 29-year-old England forward, who has registered at least 20 league goal contributions in four of his last five seasons, is one of the most coveted players in this summer’s transfer market.
DaveOCKOP.com exclusively reported in June that Liverpool could make a move for the 29-year-old.
Now Jacob Steinberg of the Guardian has reported the Hammers are “desperate” to keep hold of their skipper this summer:
“West Ham are still expected to lose the Netherlands winger Crysencio Summerville, who is a target for United and Chelsea.”
“Aston Villa, Everton, Liverpool, United and Chelsea are monitoring Jarrod Bowen but West Ham are desperate to hold on to their captain. Aaron Wan‑Bissaka and Jean-Clair Todibo are also likely to leave.”
Bowen himself has spoken of his desire to help the club fight their way back to the Premier League, where he believes they belong