West Ham United could be hours away from official James Ward-Prowse transfer announcement as Sky Sports shares new update
James Ward-Prowse has completed his West Ham United medical ahead of a £30m transfer from Southampton, and the Irons could be hours away from an exciting announcement.
According to Sky Sports News, writing on their transfer blog (11 August, 17:52), the England international has completed his medical tests and could be announced as a new West Ham player in the coming days.
Ward-Prowse won’t be able to play against Bournemouth in the opening game of the season after missing the noon deadline, but a deal is edging towards completion.
The Hammers have been long-time interest parties in the free-kick specialist for months as they looked to replace the qualities of Declan Rice, and the East Londoners have truly done a magnificent job in completing the deal, after they were prepared to walk away from the Southampton man nearly two weeks ago (The Guardian, 31 July).
After already completing the signing of Edson Alvarez, it was imperative the Hammers moved quickly for Ward-Prowse to avoid any potential unrest from the club fans who have had to endure a rather difficult summer.
With the way the transfer window has blown up over the last couple of days, getting this deal done and signed off as soon as possible seemed like the best option.
The news emerging vastly in various media outlets that midfield general Lucas Paqueta is desperate to leave East London and in talks with Manchester City certainly has not helped the aura around the London Stadium.
As a result, it won’t be a surprise to see the Hammers push forward Ward-Prowse’s announcement a couple of hours rather than days to kickstart the optimism within the West Ham United faithful.
Ward-Prowse represents excellent business from the Hammers and just the midfield tonic they need after losing Declan Rice. The Saints fan favourite isn’t a direct replacement for his international teammate but immediately comes and presents an upgrade on what they already have.
Excellent technically, a real leader, and a calm and assured presence in the dressing room. Ward-Prowse is certainly the player West Ham United need to improve on last season’s Premier League disappointment.
And it could be just a matter of hours before West Ham spring a transfer surprise given all the uncertainty surrounding the London Stadium right now.
In other West Ham news, one Premier League club want to hand their new manager with his first transfer as Aaron Cresswell and Michail Antonio close in on East London exits.