Jarrod Bowen to stay at West Ham? Daniel Kretinsky takeover factor revealed | OneFootball

The Hammers captain is one of many at the club subject to intense transfer speculation

West Ham United have seen many players already linked with a move away from the club following their relegation from the Premier League to the Championship ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

It was an extremely frustrating Premier League season in 2025/26 for all associated with the Hammers, and whilst Nuno Espírito Santo attempted to resurrect their dire start to the previous term under current Sweden boss, Graham Potter, they were relegated on the final day on 39 points - the highest points total any top-flight side has been relegated with since the 2010/11 season.

The 52-year-old has since revealed that he will stay in his position of head coach for a first full season at the London Stadium after being appointed last September, and that is certainly music to the ears of many Irons fans given how his one prior campaign at Championship level turned out, winning the division at a canter with Wolves eight years ago.

Yet, whilst several factors mean that West Ham - who will kickstart their league campaign with an intriguing trip to fellow newly-relegated Burnley - have already been earmarked as early title favourites by many, it remains to be seen what the make-up of Nuno's squad will be in just over one month's time.

Indeed, three players, above all else, are attracting intense transfer interest at this moment in time, namely Mateus Fernandes, Crysencio Summerville and club captain, Jarrod Bowen.

How Jarrod Bowen feels about staying at West Ham as Aston Villa, Everton talk lingers

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It has been widely claimed that West Ham, who are also going through major changes in the boardroom as Daniel Křetínský plots a majority takeover of the club following David Sullivan's resignation, must generate over £100m in player sales this window.

The aforementioned Fernandes has been valued at £80m as a result, whilst both Summerville and Bowen sit in and around the £40-50m ballpark, according to reports.

Bowen was signed under David Moyes in January 2020 from Hull City, and as well as scoring 85 times in 280 games, including the iconic last-gasp winner in the UEFA Conference League final three years ago, was named club captain ahead of the 2024/25 season.

He is also under contract in E20 until the summer of 2030 at present, having penned a staggering seven-year contract back in October 2023.

However, following relegation, the likes of Aston Villa and Everton have been heavily linked with a move for the 29-year-old, with Moyes now in charge of the latter.

It has been claimed by Bryan King, via Football Insider, that the Hammers are bracing themselves for interest from as many as eight clubs in Bowen. However, that doesn't necessarily mean he will be departing the club.

In a rather contrasting update from Hammers-themed site, Claret and Hugh, it has been reported that Bowen is now leaning towards the idea of staying with Nuno's side.

Whilst it has been claimed the winger was previously feeling '50/50' about whether to remain or leave before Kretinsky's idea of a takeover in place of Sullivan, the chances of a retention from West Ham's perspective have now 'increased'.

Jarrod Bowen staying would be a huge boost to West Ham's promotion ambitions

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It is well-documented how West Ham supporters feel about Bowen and vice versa, given his current family ties to the club, meaning it would be a huge boost if they were to retain his services.

The Leominster native previously lit up the Championship during his spell with Hull between 2017 and 2020, and given the fact he has since continued a largely positive individual trajectory, supporters in East London would be somewhat pinning their hopes on him to deliver a strong goal and assist return.

There is, of course, no guarantee that he will stay, with Villa able to offer UEFA Champions League football. However, the B6 club are still appearing to be hampered by financial limitations despite qualifying for some form of continental action for the fourth successive season.