Stars react to Jarrod Bowen agreeing unexpected West Ham extension

Jarrod Bowen has unexpectedly signed a revised contract to stay at West Ham United next season as he looks to lead the club back to the Premier League.

There had been huge speculation surrounding the 29-year-old this summer, with the likes of Aston Villa and Everton keen to bring him back to the top flight.

The Hammers captain has ended all speculation by publicly reaffirming his commitment to the club he joined in 2020, however.

Bowen remains under contract until 2030 but will lead the line as West Ham look to achieve instant promotion back to the top flight.

The move calls into question any hopes of the winger making it into Thomas Tuchel's 2028 squad for the European Championship.

The tournament may well be Bowen's last chance to feature in a second one for England after making brief appearances in 2024.

Danny Dyer reacts to Jarrod Bowen announcement

Many would have expected Bowen to reluctantly push for a departure from West Ham this summer.

The 29-year-old is in the prime years of his career, and without a move to a club capable of challenging for trophies this summer, will likely never have another opportunity.

The winger's only trophy remains the Conference League, although it was an incredibly special achievement.

For some players, building a legacy is far more important than having more medals in your cabinet at the end of your career.

With Friday's announcement, Bowen has proved that he is one of those players, and that his legacy at West Ham will be legendary.

"For me, the main thing is to get this club back into the Premier League and speak to people in the club about what we want to do moving forward as a club for the better of the club. It was a no-brainer for me to be here and the vision is clear, it’s the Premier League," Bowen told West Ham.

Danny Dyer, father-in-law to Bowen, commented on the post and wrote: "Will become our greatest ever player."

What other West Ham players could stay?

Bowen's decision may well sway some of the other members of the squad to end up staying put this summer.

The likes of El Hadji Malick Diouf and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have been linked with an exit, but could ultimately decide to get West Ham back to the Premier League.

One player who will almost certainly look to leave regardless of Bowen's decision, however, is Crysencio Summerville.

The 24-year-old is a target for Manchester United and several other sides after enjoying a superb individual World Cup campaign.