How West Ham players privately feel about James Ward-Prowse exile in new reveal
Once the January transfer window slams shut, James Ward-Prowse is one player hoping to have exited West Ham.
The midfield maestro has been banished from matchday squads since Nuno Espirito Santo took charge of the Hammers in September.
Nuno has already confirmed that Ward-Prowse will leave this month; however, the club are still waiting for an offer to be made for the 31-year-old.
Ward-Prowse has snubbed the idea of returning to Southampton, with rumours circulating that a switch to Saudi Arabia could be on the cards.
How West Ham players feel about James Ward-Prowse’s exile
When Nuno replaced Graham Potter in charge at the London Stadium, the Portuguese tactician almost instantly banished the midfielder from all first-team duties.
The pair had a strained relationship last season when Ward-Prowse’s loan spell at Nottingham Forest was cut short in January 2025.
- £30million signing from Southampton in August 2023
- 51 West Ham appearances under David Moyes in first season
- Loaned to Nottingham Forest but only played 10 times for Nuno
- Recalled early to make 21 appearances under Graham Potter
- Left out of all West Ham squads by Nuno since
When James Ward-Prowse arrives at West Ham’s training hub in Rush Green, he does so knowing he will have no involvement in certain sessions. Ward-Prowse and his internal exile at #WHUFC. https://t.co/3qSi3xyFgR
— Roshane Thomas (@RoshaneSport) January 16, 2026
Despite being instantly blocked from Nuno’s plans, sources have told The Athletic that the former Southampton star has remained professional throughout, instead of sulking about the situation.
The report also adds that there is “sympathy” among the players, according to those close to them, for the ex-England international.
That suggests Ward-Prowse commands respect from the rest of his teammates, and even in a difficult situation, he hasn’t let a broken relationship impact his mood.
West Ham miss Ward-Prowse’s set-piece weapon
Supporters have constantly questioned Nuno’s decision to exile Ward-Prowse from his plans when he could arguably offer something they don’t have.
Known for being one of the best free-kick takers in Premier League history, Ward-Prowse boasts a weapon of a right foot that could have been useful to the Hammers.
The midfielder is capable of whipping dangerous crosses into the box, but also scoring directly, with only David Beckham (18) netting more directly from a set-piece than Ward-Prowse (17) in the competition’s history.
West Ham are currently lacking quality and ammunition from dead-ball situations, with fans missing his wand of a right foot.
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