Jarrod Bowen to Man Utd transfer would see West Ham star backtrack on statement | Football | Sport

As though the trauma of relegation weren’t enough, West Ham now face the very real prospect of losing Jarrod Bowen this summer. Manchester United are reportedly among the frontrunners for the Hammers captain, with the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea also said to be circling. The east Londoners are widely expected to cash in on several of their prized assets, with relegation forecast to slash their revenues by £100million.

The England international has been amongst the most consistent and productive wingers in the top flight in recent seasons and, despite his well-documented affection for West Ham, a swift return to the Premier League would undoubtedly hold considerable appeal. Bowen’s deal runs until 2030, yet clubs will likely find themselves in a strong negotiating position given the Hammers’ urgent requirement for funds.

United are gearing up for Champions League football and bolstering their attacking options would be warmly received by Michael Carrick.

Bowen could equally be lured by the prospect of competing in Europe’s premier club competition for the first time.

Such a departure may well be accepted by sections of the West Ham faithful, given his contribution of 20 goals and assists this season while part of a struggling side.

However, the forward would be rowing back on his post-match comments following the 3-0 victory over Leeds, where he had suggested he would remain in the Championship to spearhead West Ham’s promotion push.

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 feelings surrounding West Ham’s relegation in an extensive Instagram post, though fell short of confirming what part he might play in their bid to return 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 switch to Manchester would offer Bowen the opportunity to represent the club he followed as a youngster, having made the admission back in 2022.

His allegiance to the side stemmed from his admiration of David Beckham, with Sky Sports previously displaying a photograph 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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