Alan Pardew shares ‘surprised’ verdict on ‘brilliant’ new West Ham United man James Ward-Prowse
Alan Pardew was “surprised” that West Ham United had a free run at James Ward-Prowse in the summer transfer window.
The Hammers confirmed the signature of the 28-year-old on a deal until June 2027, as per the official West Ham website (14 August).
And Pardew, who managed the club from 2003-2006, believes the former Southampton midfielder is a “top signing” for West Ham.
“David Moyes’ teams have always been very, very proficient at set-plays,” Pardew said live on talkSPORT. “The movement, the blocking and everything else that he puts into those.
“And now you’ve got a guy who can literally put it on a button. So that is a great signing, and I was surprised they got a free run at that. I thought a couple of other teams might be involved.
“He’s a great character, he’s been brilliant for Southampton. I think it’s a top signing.”
Superb talent
West Ham obviously needed new midfield talent in the door this summer following the exit of star man Declan Rice, who joined Arsenal at the beginning of the transfer window for £105million.
The England international left a huge gap in Moyes’ midfield, but he also left the Hammers with plenty of money to spend on a replacement.
Such was his presence, however, that his old club have brought in two players to fill the hole, with Edson Alvarez arriving from Ajax and Ward-Prowse arriving from Southampton.
Both players will be key in all competitions this season, with Ward-Prowse certain to have more of an impact going forward given his superb ability from set-pieces.
The England ace is deadly with free-kicks, corners and penalties, and he should help West Ham score plenty of goals in the coming months.
Ward-Prowse was definitely too good to be playing in the Championship, and he now has a chance to reinforce that in claret and blue.
In other West Ham news, a Hammers-linked player is “attracted” by a move to the London Stadium this summer.