West Ham: Danny Dyer reveal highlights Jarrod Bowen advantage no Championship rival can match
West Ham United face a defining summer as they prepare for life in the Championship.
With this in mind, the future of captain Jarrod Bowen is among the biggest decisions facing the Hammers.
The 29-year-old has understandably been linked with a move, as top-flight sides assess whether he can be tempted away from the London Stadium.
Bowen joined from Hull City in 2020, with the initial thought being that he would not be willing to drop back down to the second tier.
But, fans have continued to get more and more hopeful as the summer has progressed.
And based on the latest comments from Danny Dyer, fans in East London may begin to prepare for a promotion celebration already.
What has Danny Dyer said that will have West Ham fans feeling the excitement?
Given his importance at the club, it is only natural that Bowen's name has been banded about throughout the summer.
Liverpool have been mentioned as a possible destination, while Aston Villa are also said to carry interest.
Based on father-in-law and celebrity West Ham fan Dyer though, his future at the London Stadium could not be clearer
"He's a very great, loyal man," Dyer told TalkSPORT.
"First and foremost, he is my family, the father of my grandchildren, of course. It's been tough for him.
"He does deserve Champions League football and whatever decision he makes, or made, I would have supported him," he added, but his next sentence would provide the biggest hint fans have been given yet
"I don't think he's going anywhere, and I think he will rip up the Championship, don't you worry yourself about that."
Is promotion nailed on for West Ham if Bowen stays?
While it could come across as arrogant for Hammers fans to suggest, every side relegated from the Premier League are the instant favourites to go back up.
If West Ham do keep Bowen, this is surely all-but nailed on
The attacker scored 52 goals in 117 second-tier appearances for Hull City before joining West Ham in January 2020, establishing himself as one of the division’s most dangerous forwards.
He has since developed into a proven Premier League performer, club captain and England international, so dropping back into the Championship while still at his peak would make him an exceptional asset.
Bowen also remained productive during West Ham’s relegation campaign, ending 2025/26 with 11 goals and 12 assists across all competitions despite the team’s wider struggles
Nuno Espirito Santo does still have to build a side around him, but Bowen would be a real difference maker in big moments.
The Irons still may receive tempting offers this summer, but retaining Bowen could be worth considerably more than any transfer fee if his goals deliver an immediate Premier League return.