Micah Richards: James Ward-Prowse ‘Destined for Liverpool’ transfer amid ‘Phenomenal’ West Ham United form
Micah Richards believes that James Ward-Prowse was “destined for Liverpool” before West Ham United swooped to sign him in the summer.
The Hammers splashed £30m to sign the former Southampton captain in the summer to help replace Declan Rice, with the England international proving to be a fantastic signing with eight assists and two goals this season in all competitions.
Alan Shearer, speaking on The Rest is Football podcast (24 November) named him as one of the signings of the season with his set-pieces labelled “phenomenal” before Richards floated his theory.
“He’s one of the signings of the season as well isn’t he, Ward-Prowse? What a bargain,” Shearer said.
“What did they pay for him about £30m? What a season he’s having, the assists.
“We did a piece on him on Match of the Day not long ago about his set pieces and where he puts that ball time after time, week after week. It’s just phenomenal what a dead ball player he is.”
Lineker then asked if any top clubs may feel they made a mistake by not signing him in the summer, and Richards admitted he felt he was “destined for Liverpool”.
“100%. Liverpool should’ve bought him,” he said. “He was destined for Liverpool.
“Replace Henderson. He does exactly what Henderson can do and he’s got delivery as well. I’m thinking why has that not happened.”
Their loss
Obviously Ward-Prowse has proven to be a magical signing for us this season, and it’s probably fair to say that he has outperformed most people’s expectations.
The vast majority of people knew what he would bring to the team in a set-piece capacity because we saw it regularly at Southampton and we know how David Moyes likes to play.
But what he’s brought out of possession with his energy and tackling, plus his ability on the ball in open-play too he has become the perfect midfield option for this team to link defence and attack.
Liverpool would have been smart to sign him in the summer considering their own midfield issues, and as a replacement for Henderson it would have made a lot of sense.
But their loss is our gain and you won’t find a Hammers fan unhappy about the signing at this point. Shearer is spot on. £30m was an absolute bargain.
In other West Ham news, Fabrizio Romano shares update on future of Pablo Fornals amid Barcelona speculation.