West Ham owner insists Bowen and Fernandes are not for sale despite Man Utd interest

West Ham director Daniel Kretinsky has drawn a clear line in the sand over Jarrod Bowen and Mateus Fernandes, insisting the club have no financial need to sell either player despite growing speculation linking Manchester United with moves for both.

The Hammers’ relegation to the Championship has fuelled transfer rumours throughout the summer, with United, Newcastle and Liverpool all mentioned as potential destinations for Bowen, while United are also said to have moved ahead of Arsenal in the race for Fernandes, whom West Ham value at approximately £80 million.

“We have a very credible strategy,” Kretinsky told The Times. “We don’t need to sell the players for financial reasons. We are doing this to make sure we are promoted back to the Premier League immediately. That is our only goal.”

Kretinsky added that key players are willing to wait for clarity on the club’s direction. “They want to see there is a real chance of keeping the squad together. What matters is funding, strategy and consistency. We have spoken to all of them. They need to see that our project is real and serious. Promotion is our only goal.”

Bowen, 29, is contracted at the London Stadium until 2030, giving West Ham significant leverage in any potential negotiations. Fernandes has attracted interest as United look to reinforce their midfield following Casemiro’s departure on a free transfer.

United have already moved in the transfer market this summer, agreeing a deal to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson for an initial £35 million, with add-ons taking the total package to £38.8 million. The club are understood to be seeking at least one further midfield addition before the window closes.

Whether Kretinsky’s public stance is enough to cool United’s interest in either player remains to be seen, but West Ham’s insistence that promotion — not player sales — is the club’s sole priority this summer sends an unambiguous message to potential suitors.