Jarrod Bowen did hold talks over a reunion with David Moyes at Everton this summer, it has been confirmed, before ultimately choosing to sign a new contract and stay at West Ham.
According to Football Insider, Everton opened preliminary talks and made direct contact with West Ham over a move, with Moyes — who signed Bowen for the Hammers back in 2020 — personally attempting to convince his former captain to follow him to Everton.
West Ham were reportedly prepared to accept an offer following their relegation to the Championship, seeing a chance to maximise profit on a saleable asset while the club prepared for life outside the Premier League.
Bowen had other ideas, though. Sources close to him say he made his position clear after speaking directly with the club’s owners, telling them he wanted to stay regardless of any outside interest.
His new deal and a public message to supporters confirming his intention to lead West Ham straight back up confirms the Moyes reunion talk is now firmly over.
It’s a miss for Moyes, who clearly saw Bowen as a potential game-changer given the personal effort he put into the pursuit.
Reports over recent days had already suggested momentum was swinging towards Bowen staying, with West Ham’s new ownership making a concerted effort to convince their captain the project was worth staying for. Liverpool and Chelsea, both long-term admirers, also missed out — so Everton are not alone in leaving empty-handed.
It’s another reminder of the level of competition Everton are up against this summer. With Rico Lewis, Brooke Norton-Cuffy and Pape Gueye all still alive, there’s plenty still to play for — but the Bowen chase is now definitely over.
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