Bowen's West Ham kit appearance casts doubt on Manchester United transfer

Jarrod Bowen’s appearance in West Ham United’s 2026/27 kit launch has raised fresh questions over whether the 29-year-old will leave the London Stadium this summer, with Manchester United among the clubs linked to the relegated winger.

Bowen is the first player shown in the 15-second clip shared on West Ham’s social media, seated and wearing the new strip with a serious expression. Tomas Soucek also features in the brief video, suggesting it was filmed either before the World Cup began or after the Czech Republic’s elimination last Thursday — making it difficult to read as a definitive statement on Bowen’s future, but his prominence at least signals that the club are optimistic he will remain.

West Ham dropped into the Championship at the end of last season, and Bowen — their captain — has been touted for a departure, with United, Aston Villa, and Everton all credited with interest. However, the Hammers are not under financial pressure to sell. The club recently received £85 million from Tottenham for midfielder Mateus Fernandes and would prefer to keep Bowen as they push for an immediate return to the Premier League.

United’s midfield recruitment has taken centre stage following Manuel Ugarte’s injury. Having missed out on Fernandes to Spurs, the club are now understood to be targeting Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, though the Cherries are reluctant to sell the 22-year-old. Arsenal are also in the running for Scott. Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha, who impressed for Germany at the World Cup, and Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams are also believed to be on United’s radar.

Elliot Anderson, previously United’s top midfield target, ended any prospect of a move to Old Trafford by completing a £116 million switch to Manchester City. United have already agreed the signing of Ederson and are expected to add at least one more central midfielder before the window closes.

Bowen’s West Ham team-mate Crysencio Summerville has also been linked with a move to Old Trafford, though United’s primary focus appears to remain on reinforcing the engine room rather than the wide positions.