Burnley laughing at West Ham as details emerge on Ward-Prowse agreement

James Ward-Prowse has joined Burnley on loan from West Ham, but it may well be that the Clarets are getting the better of the arrangement.

Ward-Prowse’s West Ham exit this winter has long been predicted, with the 31-year-old midfielder evidently not in Nuno Espirito Santo‘s plans.

Despite that, Nuno was urged to give Ward-Prowse a chance by many West Ham supporters, especially given their current relegation predicament.

However, it was revealed on Wednesday that Ward-Prowse had completed his Burnley medical, before his move to Turf Moor was confirmed by both sides.

Premier League relegation zone
Credit: Imago

West Ham are contributing to James Ward-Prowse’s Burnley move

It’s understood that West Ham players have felt sympathetic towards Ward-Prowse‘s situation this winter, having been frozen out by Nuno.

The 11-cap England international has made just five Premier League appearances for West Ham this season, with zero goals or assists to his name.

However, he’s proven himself to be a quality player at top flight level in the past, both with the Hammers and from his superb 12-year stint with Southampton.

As such, Burnley will no doubt be delighted to add a player of Ward-Prowse‘s experience and quality to their ranks in the final days of the winter window, as they look to leapfrog West Ham to safety in the coming weeks.

And, Burnley will be even happier with their deal after the frameworks of the agreement have seemingly been revealed.

As per an X post from West Ham Football via information exclusively revealed to Claret & Hugh, West Ham are reportedly paying 30 per cent of Ward-Prowse’s wages during his loan stint with Burnley.

James Ward-Prowse West Ham career stats
Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media/Sofascore

In total, it’s understood that Burnley will pay around £2million over the course of his stay at Turf Moor, as the Hammers contribute £37,500 per week of his £125,000 per week salary, working out as a total of £825,000.

Given West Ham are strengthening a direct relegation rival, it seems bizarre they have not asked Burnley to pay up the full amount.

Will Ward-Prowse start for Burnley?

Burnley suffered a major blow in late December 2025 when they lost key starting central midfielder Josh Cullen for the rest of the season, with the 29-year-old suffering a cruciate ligament injury.

As such, finding a replacement for him has been a top priority for the Clarets this winter, but Parker and his staff have exercised patience in order to get their hands on Ward-Prowse.

Current central midfield pair Lesley Ugochukwu and Florentino are solid options for Burnley, but particularly with the former of those two, remaining consistent has been an issue.

Therefore, Ward-Prowse with all his Premier League nous and experience, should feel confident that he can quickly carve out a starting role at Turf Moor.

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