West Ham’s ‘Bowen not for sale’ stance means only one thing

The non-story that is Liverpool’s interest in Hammers’ captain Jarrod Bowen has captured the headlines this morning and prompted a definitive answer from inside West Ham, as Gonzo confirmed earlier. The news that Jarrod Bowen is not for sale will not surprise anyone who knows the player, the club and the fan base.

It does however serve to increase the speculation surrounding Mohammed Kudus and a summer departure. Significant funds need to be raised to bring in another ten players to the side. We know now that for a two-week period in June, Kudus’ release clause is ‘live’ meaning the club will be forced to agree a sale if a Premier League club bids the required £80 million.

However, Kudus has been a shadow of the player who graced the Europa League in 2023 and is likely the most marketable of West Ham’s assets.

So reports like last night’s footballinsider365 article advising that: “West Ham ‘must accept £80m Mohammed Kudus bid – snap their hands off’ are likely to be closer to the truth than the wild reports linking Bowen with a sale.

Until the Lucas Paquetá situation is finally resolved, the Brazilian is unsellable – leaving Kudus as the most likely source of rebuild funds in June. If a club does come forward with £80 million – whether it be from the Premier League or Saudi Arabia, West Ham will more than likely cash in. From a business point of view,  well over 100% profit from the £35 million paid to Ajax is not to be sneezed at and will go a long way to safeguard the Hammers’ PSR situation.