The 29-year-old forward, who has been West Ham United's captain this season and their most consistently effective player, scored the club's second goal in the final-day 3-0 victory over Leeds United — a result that was not enough to prevent the drop. Bowen made clear after the final whistle that leaving is not his current intention.
"I can see the club getting back into the Premier League, because that's where it deserves to be. I will never be able to enjoy my summer with what has happened this season. We will be with family and loved ones, recover properly and prepare well for when we come back and make the step up."
He also indicated a personal commitment that goes beyond contract.
"It will create rumours, there will be discussions. In the end, I see this club back in the Premier League again. That's where it deserves to be. You never know what the future holds. Personally, I want to take this club back to the Premier League. Right now that is our vision."
The Guardian reported this week that Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United are among the clubs monitoring his situation. Bowen is contracted until 2030 and West Ham are expected to value him at around £60 million. The club faces extreme financial pressure — their most recent accounts reported a loss of £104 million, and relegation is expected to cost around £200 million in lost income — making player sales a near certainty regardless of Bowen's personal preferences.
Chelsea view Bowen as an experienced wide attacker capable of fitting Xabi Alonso's system. Liverpool need to address the right side of attack following Mohamed Salah's departure as a free agent. United want him as a backup option on the left.
West Ham's captain is not listening to any of it — not yet. The summer will be long and the phone will not stop ringing.