West Ham United are now unlikely to pursue Leicester City winger Abdul Fatawu following Jarrod Bowen’s decision to remain at the London Stadium.
Fatawu had been identified as one of the leading options to replace Bowen if the Hammers captain left following relegation to the Championship.
However, Bowen has agreed revised terms and publicly committed himself to helping West Ham secure an immediate Premier League return.
The winger described remaining in east London as a “no-brainer” and said the club’s target for the coming campaign was clear.
West Ham expected to redirect winger search
The West Ham Way previously reported that a move for Fatawu would make the most sense if Bowen departed.
The Ghana international is capable of playing across the attack, but his strongest position is on the right. Bowen is expected to remain the first choice on that side under Nuno Espírito Santo.
Spending around £15m to £20m on another right winger would therefore leave West Ham committing a significant fee to a player without a guaranteed starting role.
The club are instead expected to prioritise a specialist left-sided attacker, particularly while Crysencio Summerville continues to attract Premier League interest.
Brighton youngster Amario Cozier-Duberry is among the domestic options linked with West Ham after an impressive loan spell at Bolton Wanderers. His ability to operate naturally from the left could provide a clearer fit within Nuno’s squad.
Bowen’s commitment has removed the need for a direct replacement, but West Ham still require greater pace and depth in wide areas.
As Read West Ham examined after Bowen confirmed his decision, the board must now support their captain with a promotion-ready squad.
Fatawu may remain on the wider shortlist, but a summer move has become considerably less likely.
