Nuno suggests West Ham star is finished in brutal three-word transfer update at Rush Green
West Ham have already had a busy start to the January transfer window, and incomings will have to continue to have any chance of survival.
The Hammers confirmed the signings of two centre-forwards, Pablo Felipe and Taty Castellanos, earlier this month, with focus now turning to their defence.
West Ham have been linked with Brentford’s Ethan Pinnock, among others, as Nuno Espirito Santo aims to transform the league’s worst defence.
But with several incomings on the agenda, Nuno is waving goodbye to some of his first-team players, and he may have already confirmed one midfielder’s exit.
Nuno Espirito Santo confirms James Ward-Prowse will leave
Three players have already left the London Stadium this month, with Luis Guilherme sealing a permanent switch to Sporting CP, whereas Niclas Fullkrug and Callum Marshall have departed on loan.
George Earthy is also closing in on a loan to Bristol City, while Callum Wilson is set to leave West Ham after two strikers pushed him further down the pecking order.
Wilson finds himself in a similar position to former Southampton playmaker James Ward-Prowse, who has been frozen out by Nuno since he joined the club in September.
- £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
Now, ahead of West Ham’s FA Cup clash against QPR, the Portuguese boss has confirmed that the club are working on a ‘solution’ to Ward-Prowse’s future.
Nuno Espirito Santo says 'I believe so' in today's presser when I asked if the best solution for James Ward-Prowse is to play elsewhere.
— Christopher Reidy (@chrisreidy1) January 9, 2026
Says conversations have also been held with Mads Hermansen. West Ham were in for Brazilian goalkeeper Bento this window before Genoa move. pic.twitter.com/deBFanJtOP
Where could Ward-Prowse go next?
In a world where David Sullivan sacks Nuno, the midfielder could have resurrected his career under a new manager in East London.
But as it stands, with Nuno set to stay at West Ham – at least for the time being – Ward-Prowse will need to leave the club in January to play first-team football.
The 31-year-old has been left out of every Premier League squad under the former Wolves boss, and last appeared for the club under Graham Potter during a 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace in September.
Southampton have already been ruled out as a possible destination for Ward-Prowse, with the playmaker not interested in a return to St Mary’s.
That is why a move to Saudi Arabia, or another club abroad, is entirely possible for the Englishman, who would suit a more slower paced league.
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