Russell Martin admitted Southampton may need to adapt in the Premier League, but they will not change their philosophy ahead of their opener against Newcastle United.

The Saints got back to the top-flight at the first time of asking, beating Leeds United in the Championship play-off final to earn promotion to the Premier League.

They have prepared well ahead of the new campaign, only losing one of their pre-season friendlies, and Martin is confident Southampton have what it takes to go toe-to-toe with the other teams.

"There's a concern with any style for any team in the Premier League," he said in his press conference. "We are going to be defined by being good enough. Me, the players, we'll be called naive.

"We've done something here we really believe in. We'll have to adapt and change a little bit in terms of having less possession. We won't change our principles.

"We will concentrate on being the team we want to be."

Meanwhile, Newcastle did not quite hit the heights of their top-four finish in 2022-23 last season, but a positive finish to the campaign gave reason for optimism.

They lost just two of their last 10 matches in 2023-24, and only suffered one defeat during pre-season.

Eddie Howe is confident they have learnt from those struggles and have left them behind as they prepare for their opening match.

"Last season was really difficult. Overall, though, I thought it was a season of real progress," Howe told Stadium Astro.

"And I don't say that lightly, I do think we improved a lot. I am talking overall. I am looking at the club, I'm looking at the team. I think we have improved and moved on."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Newcastle United – Alexander Isak

Alexander Isak has scored 13 Premier League goals so far in 2024, including 11 in his last 12 appearances. It is more than twice as many as any other Newcastle player has scored so far this calendar year (Bruno Guimaraes is next highest with six).

Southampton – Adam Lallana

If Adam Lallana plays, it would be his first Premier League game for Southampton in 10 years and 98 days, the fifth-longest gap between appearances for the same side in the competition's history. Meanwhile, his last goal for the Saints came against this opponent, in a 4-0 win in March 2014.

MATCH PREDICTION: NEWCASTLE UNITED WIN

Newcastle have won seven of their last nine Premier League matches against Southampton, including the last three in a row. The Magpies have never won four league games in a row against the Saints before.

They have also lost just one of their last 20 Premier League games against promoted sides (won 11, drawn eight), with that defeat coming away against Luton Town last season (0-1).

And Howe has been particularly influential in the dugout, as Newcastle have won their Premier League opener in both campaigns under him. The last Magpies manager to win three in a row was Joe Harvey between 1972-73 and 1974-75.

St. James' Park has not been a particularly happy hunting ground for Southampton, who have managed just one win in their last 18 Premier League visits (drawn four, lost 13), winning 2-1 under Ronald Koeman in January 2015.

Southampton are without a win in their last 13 Premier League games (drawn four, lost nine), since beating Leicester City 1-0 in March 2023. It is their longest run without a win in the top-flight since a run of 17 between November 1988 and March 1989.

Meanwhile, among teams to have played in 10 or more Premier League seasons, Southampton have the lowest win ratio in their opening matches of the season, winning just two of 24 games (8%). Their 12 defeats to open a season are also the joint-second most alongside Newcastle and behind only West Ham United (15 defeats).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Newcastle United – 70%

Draw – 16.9%

Southampton – 13.1%

Sean Dyche is ready for Everton to put last season's challenges behind them by making a positive start to the Premier League against Brighton on Saturday.

Everton had to contend with two points deductions last season, but an impressive run of results at the end of the campaign ensured they comfortably avoided relegation.

While they did not make the best start to pre-season, going winless in their first three games, they finished on a positive note, with a win against Preston North End and a draw with Roma.

Though they will be without key players for their opener, including Jarrad Branthwaite, Dyche is optimistic about what the season will bring.

"You get the sense that, after last season's challenges and the positive end, I think there is more calmness and positivity," Dyche said in his press conference.

"The reality of knowing the truth of what the situation is helps. But generally, being up and around people there is a better feeling.

"We have been trying to bring in players who fit into the club. We have worked hard collectively with the scouts to get the right players. The only balance to that is that they don't have much Premier League experience, so it is how quick they can be effective and adapt."

Meanwhile, Brighton are preparing for their first campaign under new manager Fabian Hurzeler.

They won all four of their pre-season games, scoring 14 goals and conceding just three, and James Milner believes the German has already started to make his mark.

"There is a good mix of the last manager [Roberto De Zerbi], who was build-up orientated, but maybe a bit of Jurgen Klopp thrown in," Milner told Sky Sports.

"The manager has been very clear about what he wants from us as a team and individuals. He has put his own stamp and intensity on things, he wants us to play front foot with and without the ball."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Everton – Jordan Pickford

Everton have lost their opening Premier League match in each of the last two seasons – both 1-0 at home – to Chelsea (2022-23) and Fulham (2023-24).

If they are to avoid starting their campaign with a defeat for a third year in a row for the first time since a run of four between 2008 and 2011, Jordan Pickford could be the key by leading from the back.

Brighton – Evan Ferguson

Evan Ferguson, then aged 18, scored in Brighton's 4-1 win against Luton Town on the opening weekend of the Premier League last season.

The only teenager to score on MD1 in more than one campaign is Michael Owen (1997-98 and 1998-99).

MATCH PREDICTION: EVERTON WIN

Everton won their first four home Premier League games against Brighton but are since winless in their last three against them at Goodison Park (drawing one, losing two).

However, Dyche's side have won five of their last eight Premier League games (drawn one, lost two), having been winless in their previous 13 (drawn six, lost seven). Indeed, since the first victory in that run on April 6, only four teams have won more Premier League points than the Toffees (16).

Meanwhile, Brighton lost their first match in three of their first four Premier League campaigns but have begun their last three seasons with victory. The Seagulls are looking to win their opening league game in four consecutive seasons for the first time ever.

They struggled at the end of last season though, losing their final two games to Chelsea and Manchester United, while they have not lost three consecutive league games since a run of six between February and March 2022.

The team scoring first has never lost a Premier League meeting between Everton and Brighton (won 10, drawn three), although the Toffees went 1-0 up in both games last season and both ended 1-1.

New manager Hurzeler will be hoping to get off to a winning start for his first game in charge. Born in February 1993, he will be the first manager to take charge of a Premier League game who was born after the competition started.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Everton – 40.4%

Draw – 26.6%

Brighton – 33%

Christantus Uche's second-half goal earned Getafe a point in a 1-1 draw with Athletic Club to kick off the new LaLiga season.

Oihan Sancet had given the hosts the lead, but despite some late chances from substitute Nico Williams, they could not get off to a winning start.

Uche could have easily given Getafe the lead in the first half after racing in behind Athletic's high line, but he failed to catch the shot cleanly on the bounce as Alex Padilla pushed it away.

Sancet scored the first goal of the 2024-25 campaign just before the half-hour mark, quickly getting it out of his feet to beat David Soria with a pacy shot into the right corner.

Uche did find a way past Padilla in the second half, meeting Luis Milla's cross to head Getafe back on level terms.

Williams could have scored a late winner for Athletic off the bench, but Soria was equal to both of his efforts after he cut inside from the left. 

Data Debrief: Close encounters

Both teams may be up and running with a point, but they may look at this as an opportunity missed.

Athletic have now failed to win their first game of the season in any of the last five campaigns (drawing three, losing two), while Getafe are winless in four such matches in the competition (one draw, two losses).

Sancet has picked up where he left off though, and has now scored three goals in his last five games for Athletic, as many as in his previous 29. 

Andoni Iraola has stressed the importance of avoiding a slow start to the new Premier League season as they travel to Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

The Cherries initially struggled to find their footing under the Spaniard last season, failing to win any of their first 10 games, but went on to record their highest points tally in the competition.

They did not lose during a strong pre-season but have since lost star man Dominic Solanke to Tottenham, leaving question marks over their chances of repeating their success.

Iraola's main aim, though, is to ensure they get three points on the board sooner rather than later.

"We have to arrive straight away at the beginning of the season," Iraola told Sky Sports. "We cannot control expectations, and I've said a lot of times that I don't trust the long-term goals too much.

"Once we play against Forest, if we lose, [people will say] we're going to get relegated and if we win, [people will say] we're going to be in the top 10!

"You have to control what you can control. We have to focus in every game. We have to try in every game."

Forest, meanwhile, are looking to put a dismal end to the 2023-24 season behind them, having won just four games after the turn of the year, as they embark on their first full season under Nuno Espirito Santo.

The Tricky Trees also had a point deduction for a breach of the Premier League's rules to contend with before they staved off relegation in the final weeks, but they enjoyed a positive pre-season in which they only lost once (won three, drew two).

And Nuno's objective for this season is simple: "Hopefully, we improve.

"That's the main idea, that we improve our game. The results in the pre-season don't mean a lot now. We now have the real moments to evaluate what we need to improve. There's always a chance to do better."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Nottingham Forest – Morgan Gibbs-White

Since their return to the Premier League in 2022, Morgan Gibbs-White has been involved in more Premier League goals than any other Forest player (28 – 10 goals, 18 assists).

His 18 assists in this time are twice as many as any other Forest player, while in the competition's history, only Ian Woan has provided more for the Tricky Trees (27).

Bournemouth – Antoine Semenyo

Solanke scored a hat-trick in this exact fixture last season and netted 19 goals in the Premier League for the Cherries last term, but his departure has left Iraola with a hole to fill.

Semenyo was their second-highest scorer with eight goals in 33 appearances, and it may be up to him to provide the spark for Bournemouth.

MATCH PREDICTION: DRAW

Forest are winless in their last eight league games against Bournemouth (drawn three, lost five), losing each of their last three at home against the Cherries.

And they have lost their opening league game in each of the last five seasons, conceding exactly two goals each time.

However, Nuno has not lost on matchday one in any of his last 11 league campaigns (won seven, drawn four), considering time in Portugal, Spain, England and Saudi Arabia. His side have won their last four such matches, keeping a clean sheet each time.

It is just the second time these two sides have faced each other in their opening league match of a season, following a 0-0 draw at the City Ground in League One in 2007-08.

Bournemouth are actually unbeaten in their last four season openers in the Premier League (won two, drawn two) after losing their first match in each of their first seasons in the competition.

The Cherries have only failed to score in three of their last 30 Premier League games, with each of those coming against last season's top three (0-4 v Liverpool in January, 0-1 v Manchester City in February, 0-3 v Arsenal in May).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Nottingham Forest – 38.1%

Draw – 26.4%

Bournemouth – 35.4%

Erik ten Hag says Manchester United are "not ready" for the start of the Premier League season ahead of their opener against Fulham on Friday.

The Red Devils had a mixed pre-season, winning just two of their five games and losing the other three, before narrowly missing out on penalties in the Community Shield after a 1-1 draw with Manchester City last weekend.

Ten Hag was also unable to work with his full squad during their tour of the United States due to players getting extended breaks following their involvement in the Euros and the Copa America.

Having recently brought Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui to the club on Tuesday, the Dutchman admitted United have not had a lot of time to gel as a group before their first Premier League match.

"It's true [new players need time], it's not the pre-season where in five to six weeks you work on a team, it's very complicated," he said in his press conference.

"The USA tour squad, and then we added the players at Euros and Copa America and now new signings, and we have to make a team from it.

"That team is not ready, but the league starts, and more managers have this problem.

"Still, we have some room, have some principles, and we have to make a start. We can't hide, we have to deal with it.

"We are not at 100% form, but we have to go from game to game to improve and to get higher performance levels in the team and in individual players. We will see how quick we can go with this process."

In two seasons in charge, Ten Hag ended the club's six-year trophy drought by beating Newcastle United in the EFL Cup final in 2023 before clinching the FA Cup against rivals City in May.

Despite failing to hold onto their lead to claim the Community Shield last Saturday, Ten Hag is eyeing more silverware with the club this season.

"Not so different but "We know our targets; we know our direction.

"[Our expectations are] always very high, we want to go for trophies." 

Marco Reus has completed a move to the MLS, linking up with the LA Galaxy after leaving Borussia Dortmund at the end of last season. 

Reus, who made 429 appearances across a 12-year stint with Die Schwarzgelben, has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract through to the end of the 2026 campaign. 

During his time with Dortmund, the 35-year-old registered 301 goal contributions (170 goals and 131 assists), winning four major honours in the process. 

He has twice been voted German Footballer of the Year, as well as receiving the Bundesliga Player of the Season on three occasions.

Reus featured in both of Dortmund's Champions League final losses, with his last outing for the club coming in their 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid at Wembley back in June. 

The former German international ended the campaign with 14 goal contributions (six goals and eight assists) in the league last season, a total only bettered by Julian Brandt (18) and Niclas Fullkrug (20). 

“We are excited to welcome Marco to the team,” said Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney. 

“He is a proven winner and leader whose talent and vision for the game will integrate seamlessly into the group as we prepare for the restart of the league and the run into the playoffs.”

The Galaxy return to MLS action on August 25 when they face Atlanta United as they look to remain at the summit of the Western Conference. 

Vanney and his side were knocked out of the Leagues Cup last week following a 3-1 defeat to Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field. 

Luis Enrique said questions regarding Kylian Mbappe are "boring" as Paris Saint-Germain begin life without the Frenchman this weekend against Le Havre. 

Mbappe, who joined Real Madrid in June, scored on his maiden outing for Los Blancos in their 2-0 UEFA Super Cup win against Atalanta on Wednesday. 

The 25-year-old became the first Madrid player to score on his competitive debut in the Super Cup since Marco Asensio did so against Sevilla back in 2016. 

And despite no longer being a part of Luis Enrique's squad, the PSG head coach was asked by a Spanish journalist if he had watched the encounter unfold in Warsaw. 

"My God these Spanish people are boring. I didn't imagine you were going to ask me a question about Kylian again," Luis Enrique said as he shook his head.

"But I don't have anything to hide. I have always adored Kylian Mbappe and he is a unique and exceptional person. I wish him the best, and that Madrid lose against us."

The Parisians will need to find a new source of goals for the upcoming season after Mbappe posted his best figures in a campaign since his move from Monaco in 2018.

Mbappe managed 34 goal contributions in Ligue 1 (27 goals and seven assists), with Goncalo Ramos (12) and Ousmane Dembele (11) his closest challengers. 

However, Luis Enrqiue is relishing the challenge that lies ahead as he goes in search of a fourth major honour at the Parc des Princes. 

"If someone else scores 40 goals, that would be great," Enrique said.

"But based on my experience, it is better to have four players scoring 12 - that would make 48, which is more than 40.

"I think it's a fascinating challenge. It's a challenge to show that football is a collective sport."

Everton boss Sean Dyche has refused to rule out the prospect of losing Dominic Calvert-Lewin before the end of the season. 

Calvert-Lewin made 39 appearances in all competitions for the Toffees last year, having completed just 38 outings across the previous two campaigns. 

The 27-year-old scored seven times for Dyche's side in the Premier League last year and was the club's joint-top scorer in the league alongside Abdoulaye Doucoure. 

Calvert-Lewin has been linked with a move away from Goodison Park in the transfer window, with a reported move to Newcastle falling through in July. 

Manchester United and West Ham have also registered their interest in the striker, who has just one year remaining on his current Everton contract. 

But with Everton's financial situation, which saw them deducted eight points last season for two breaches of Profitability and Sustainability Rules, they can ill-afford to lose him for nothing. 

When asked what would happen if a decent offer came in, Dyche said: "That would be the challenge for the club - for any player, not just Dom.

"You saw Amadou (Onana) leaving us. There was a level where they think: 'Right that's it, it's got to be done'.

"That is the current situation of the club. It's not just about the players mentioned, it's about any player.

"The club has got an outside picture and that's not something I can control. They do need to balance the finances better.

"We have done a lot of work with that since I've been here."

Everton begin their Premier League campaign against Brighton on Saturday, with Dyche hoping that Calvert-Lewin can continue his scoring streak against the Seagulls. 

Calvert-Lewin has three times in his 13 appearances against Brighton, only managing more against Burnley (four), Crystal Palace (five) and Newcastle (six). 

Everton boss Sean Dyche has refused to rule out the prospect of losing Dominic Calvert-Lewin before the end of the season. 

Calvert-Lewin made 39 appearances in all competitions for the Toffees last season, having completed just 38 outings across the previous two campaigns. 

The 27-year-old scored seven times for Dyche's side in the Premier League last year and was the club's joint-top scorer in the league alongside Abdoulaye Doucoure. 

Calvert-Lewin has been linked with a move away from Goodison Park in the transfer window, with a reported move to Newcastle falling through in July. 

Manchester United and West Ham have also registered their interest in the striker, who has just one year remaining on his current Everton contract. 

But with Everton's financial situation, which saw them deducted eight points last season for two breaches of Profitability and Sustainability Rules, they can ill-afford to lose him for nothing. 

When asked what would happen if a decent offer came in, Dyche said: "That would be the challenge for the club - for any player, not just Dom.

"You saw Amadou (Onana) leaving us. There was a level where they think: 'Right that's it, it's got to be done'.

"That is the current situation of the club. It's not just about the players mentioned, it's about any player.

"The club has got an outside picture and that's not something I can control. They do need to balance the finances better.

"We have done a lot of work with that since I've been here."

Everton begin their Premier League campaign against Brighton on Saturday, with Dyche hoping that Calvert-Lewin can continue his scoring streak against the Seagulls. 

Calvert-Lewin has three times in his 13 appearances against Brighton, only managing more against Burnley (four), Crystal Palace (five) and Newcastle (six). 

Luis Enrique said questions regarding Kylian Mbappe are "boring" as Paris Saint-Germain begin life without the Frenchman this weekend against Le Havre. 

Mbappe, who joined Real Madrid in June, scored on his maiden outing for Los Blancos in their 2-0 UEFA Super Cup win against Atalanta on Wednesday. 

The 25-year-old became the first Madrid player to score on his competitive debut in the Super Cup since Marco Asensio did so against Sevilla back in 2016. 

And despite no longer being a part of Enrique's squad, the PSG head coach was asked by a Spanish journalist if he had watched the encounter unfold in Warsaw. 

"My God these Spanish people are boring. I didn't imagine you were going to ask me a question about Kylian again," Enrique said as he shook his head.

"But I don't have anything to hide. I have always adored Kylian Mbappe and he is a unique and exceptional person. I wish him the best, and that Madrid lose against us."

The Parisian's will need to find a new source of goals for the upcoming season after Mbappe posted his best figures in a campaign since his move from Monaco in 2018.

Mbappe managed 34 goal contributions in Ligue 1 (27 goals and seven assists), with Goncalo Ramos (12) and Ousmane Dembele (11) his closest challengers. 

However, Enrqiue is relishing the challenge that lies ahead as he goes in search of a fourth major honour at the Parc des Princes. 

"If someone else scores 40 goals, that would be great," Enrique said.

"But based on my experience, it is better to have four players scoring 12 - that would make 48, which is more than 40.

"I think it's a fascinating challenge. It's a challenge to show that football is a collective sport."

Luis Enrique said questions regarding Kylian Mbappe are "boring" as Paris Saint-Germain begin life without the Frenchman this weekend against Le Havre. 

Mbappe, who joined Real Madrid in June, scored on his maiden outing for Los Blancos in their 2-0 UEFA Super Cup win against Atalanta on Wednesday. 

The 25-year-old became the first Madrid player to score on his competitive debut in the Super Cup since Marco Asensio did so against Sevilla back in 2016. 

And despite no longer being a part of Enrique's squad, the PSG head coach was asked by a Spanish journalist if he had watched the encounter unfold in Warsaw. 

"My God these Spanish people are boring. I didn't imagine you were going to ask me a question about Kylian again," Enrique said as he shook his head.

"But I don't have anything to hide. I have always adored Kylian Mbappe and he is a unique and exceptional person. I wish him the best, and that Madrid lose against us."

The Parisian's will need to find a new source of goals for the upcoming season after Mbappe posted his best figures in a campaign since his move from Monaco in 2018.

Mbappe managed 34 goal contributions in Ligue 1 (27 goals and seven assists), with Goncalo Ramos (12) and Ousmane Dembele (11) his closest challengers. 

However, Enrqiue is relishing the challenge that lies ahead as he goes in search of a fourth major honour at the Parc des Princes. 

"If someone else scores 40 goals, that would be great," Enrique said.

"But based on my experience, it is better to have four players scoring 12 - that would make 48, which is more than 40.

"I think it's a fascinating challenge. It's a challenge to show that football is a collective sport."

Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to become the new coach of the United States national team according to multiple reports.

The USMNT job would be a significant change for the 52-year-old as he has previously only managed at club level.

He spent three years with La Liga side Espanyol before spending a year at Southampton in the Premier League.

He then had the most successful spell of his managerial career, so far, during his six years at Tottenham Hotspur, including leading them to a UEFA Champions League final in his last full season there in 2018-19.

After being sacked by Spurs the following season, Pochettino then managed Paris St Germain for one season in 2021-22 before taking charge of Chelsea last season, leading them to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League.

Pochettino is expected to be on the sidelines for the USMNT’s friendly against Canada on September 7 in Kansas City.

Ange Postecoglou has confirmed Yves Bissouma has been suspended for Tottenham's opening game of the Premier League campaign against Leicester. 

Bissouma, who made 28 appearances last season, posted a video of himself inhaling nitrous oxide on social media last weekend. 

The incident occurred hours after Spurs' final pre-season clash, where they lost 3-2 to Bayern Munich in the Visit Malta Cup.

The 27-year-old later issued an apology, saying: "I want to apologise for these videos. This was a severe lack of judgement.

"I understand how serious this is and the health risks involved, and I also take my responsibility as a footballer and role model very seriously.”

However, Spurs have since taken the decision to exclude the midfielder from the squad for their trip to the King Power Stadium on Monday. 

"I've been in the game for a long time. When a situation like this arises, I've tried to look at them in a couple of ways," Postecoglou said in his pre-match press conference. 

"First, there's a person. That's Biss and he's made a poor decision.

"There are still sanctions involved, and some of those are educational. The second part of that is he's a footballer, with responsibilities.

"He won't be available on Monday. We've suspended him for Monday's game. He needs to build that trust back with both me and the group.

"The door is open for him and hopefully we can help him realise the decisions he makes impact the group.

"[It's down to] behaviour, it's that simple. It's about making better decisions. He was very apologetic to me, the club and everyone involved, but that's just part of it."

Cody Gakpo is confident he can replicate the form he showed at Euro 2024 for Liverpool in the Premier League under the guidance of Arne Slot. 

Gakpo, who shared the Golden Boot with five other players at the European Championships with three goals, has failed to nail down a starting spot since his move to Anfield last year. 

The Dutchman scored 16 goals across 53 appearances in all competitions last season, eight of which came in the Premier League for the Reds. 

However, his performances in Germany saw him star for Ronald Koeman's side.

Gakpo's display against Romania in the last 16 saw him become the first Dutch player to score and assist in a knockout-stage game at the tournament since Frank Rijkaard in the 1992 semi-final versus Denmark.

The Liverpool man also led all Netherlands players for shots (12), shots on target (eight), chances created from open play (11) and expected assists (1.9).

He created 10 chances from ball carries at Euro 2024, five times shooting himself and five times setting up teammates, with only Lamine Yamal (15) and Kylian Mbappe (11) bettering that total. 

"I'm very confident. It was a good Euros for me [but] unfortunately we lost to England," Gakpo told Liverpool's website. 

"It was a good one for us as a country as well, even though we could do better maybe.

"I'm very happy to be back, full of confidence and I need to keep performing like that here as well.

Since his arrival from PSV Eindhoven, Gakpo has often fluttered across the forward line, with the ability to play out wide or as a central striker. 

Last season, 27 of his 53 appearances were played as a lone striker, proving to be his most effective with 15 of his 22 goal contributions coming in that position. 

But with the Reds under Slot's stewardship this campaign, Gakpo was able to detail the position he will play for much of the upcoming season. 

"Yeah, I spoke to him and obviously he sees me as a left winger. That's how I think he sees me," Gakpo said.

"We have a lot of players in the front line and you know the season is long and there can be some injuries in every position.

"So he said, 'You're playing there but maybe I need you in another position, you can play there as well. Just be ready.'

"For me, I'm here and I try to play the best football I can and help the club as much as I can with my qualities."

West Ham have announced that Jarrod Bowen will captain the side for the upcoming Premier League season in Julen Lopetegui's first campaign in charge. 

Bowen, who has made 202 appearances for the Hammers since his move from Hull in 2020, takes the armband from Kurt Zouma, who is in talks over a move to the UAE.

The 27-year-old scored 16 league goals for West Ham last year, equalling Paulo Di Canio's record from the 1999-2000 campaign for the most goals scored by a Hammers player in a Premier League season.

The England international's 22 league goal involvements was the joint-ninth highest in the division, level with new Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke

Bowen recently captained West Ham to victory in their final pre-season fixture against Celta Vigo in the Betway Cup on Saturday, finding the net before a 6-5 penalty shootout saw them triumph at the London Stadium. 

Bowen will follow in the footsteps of the likes of Bobby Moore, Billy Bonds and Mark Noble, an honour he was thrilled to accept. 

“I am incredibly proud and happy to be West Ham United captain,” Bowen told West Ham's website. “We’ve had many great moments here as a club.

"I’ve been here four-and-a-half years now, so to be named Club captain is a really proud moment and one that I’ll wear with great honour.

“Since I’ve been here it’s just been an upward trajectory in what we’ve done on the pitch, what I’ve done off the pitch.

"To get to this moment is another statement of love I have for this club, along with when I signed my new deal last year.

"I said then that I want to stay here for the rest of my life and I haven’t come off that page. If I can go down as a legend here in years to come, that would be great.”

Bowen will lead the Hammers out for their first fixture of the new Premier League season on Saturday when they welcome Aston Villa to the London Stadium.