Jarrod Bowen could be tempted by a Premier League return following West Ham's relegation to the Championship
Jarrod Bowen of West Ham United shows dejection during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and West Ham United at St. James's Park in Newcastle, United Kingdom, on May 17, 2026. (Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Jarrod Bowen's future will be a huge talking point this summer(Image: MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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As if the misery of relegation wasn't enough, West Ham now face the very real prospect of losing skipper Jarrod Bowen this summer. Manchester United are reportedly amongst the clubs chasing the Hammers captain, with Liverpool and Chelsea also said to be keen, according to The Guardian.
The east London club are braced to offload several of their key players, with relegation expected to slash £100million from their revenues. The England star has been one of the most productive wingers in the top flight in recent years and, despite his well-known affection for West Ham, the lure of returning to the Premier League will undoubtedly prove a tempting proposition.
Bowen's contract runs until 2030, yet clubs will likely be able to drive down his price tag given the Hammers' pressing need for funds. United are gearing up for Champions League football, and reinforcements in their attacking ranks would certainly be welcomed by Michael Carrick.
The 29-year-old could equally be enticed by the prospect of playing in Europe's premier club competition for the first time. Such a transfer may well be understood by a significant portion of West Ham supporters, given he contributed 20 goals and assists this season while part of a struggling side.
However, Bowen would be rowing back on his post-match remarks after beating Leeds 3-0 where he suggested he'd remain in the Championship to help propel West Ham back up.
He said: "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. 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 expanded on his emotions surrounding West Ham's relegation in an extensive Instagram post but fell short of confirming what part he might play in their bid to reclaim their Premier League status.
West Ham United's Jarrod Bowen applauds the fans
Jarrod Bowen scored nine goals and contributed 11 assists this season(Image: Getty)
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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.
Michael Carrick claps the fans
Michael Carrick could be keen to improve his attacking options for next season(Image: (Photo by Darren Staples / AFP via Getty Images))
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"This club belongs in the Premier League and deserves to be back there as soon as possible." A transfer to Manchester would fulfil Bowen's childhood dream of representing the club he supported as a youngster, having revealed as much back in 2022.
His affection for the club stemmed from his admiration of David Beckham, with Sky Sports previously sharing a photo of Bowen as a child sporting Beckham's iconic No. 7 England shirt.
The winger said: "I followed Manchester United a bit growing up, as well, but I think I more followed him 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."
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