Jarrod Bowen might have stayed loyal to West Ham United through their relegation to the Championship, but it looks increasingly like he won't be staying in the second division for long. Crystal Palace are preparing an audacious £50m bid to bring him back to the Premier League — and they're not the only ones watching.
Chelsea and Liverpool are also among the clubs circling the West Ham captain, according to multiple reports. With the transfer window closing September 1, the next few days could prove decisive.
A Loyalty That May Not Last
When West Ham were relegated at the end of the 2025/26 season, there were genuine fears that Bowen would immediately look for a way out. Instead, he committed his future to the club, reportedly citing loyalty and a belief the Hammers could bounce back.
But loyalty only goes so far, and with Premier League clubs now making formal moves, the pressure on both player and club is mounting. West Ham would reportedly consider selling for the right price — and Crystal Palace's £50m offer is exactly the kind of number that might be the right price.
Crystal Palace Lead the Race
Palace are the frontrunners, according to Sky Sports. The Eagles — fresh off a 2-0 home defeat to Everton on the opening day — know they need reinforcements in wide areas, and Bowen fits the profile perfectly. He's experienced, Premier League-proven, and at 29, still in the prime years of his career.
There's also the added wrinkle of history: Crystal Palace were one of the clubs that tried to sign Bowen during his Hull City days before West Ham got there first. A full-circle moment could be on the cards.
Chelsea and Liverpool Add Pressure
The presence of Chelsea and Liverpool in the equation complicates things considerably. Both clubs carry a level of prestige that Crystal Palace simply cannot match, and if either makes a serious move, Bowen would face a very different decision.
For West Ham, every day without a decision is another day closer to the window shutting — and with it, the potential for real transfer income before Bowen's value begins to drop in the Championship. The pressure is on everyone here.
What Happens Next
The transfer window closes on September 1. Bowen's situation is set to be one of the defining stories of deadline day. Watch this space — because the West Ham captain is about to have a very big decision to make.
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