James Ward-Prowse to make late return with Graham Potter keen at West Ham
West Ham United have exercised their option to recall James Ward-Prowse from his loan spell at Nottingham Forest, according to David Ornstein.
The Athletic journalist posted on X (2 February) that Ward-Prowse is set to rejoin the Hammers on Deadline Day after the decision to terminate his season-long loan early was agreed by both clubs.
Ward-Prowse will return to the London Stadium following just five Premier League starts for high-flying Forest and just 10 appearances in total, having switched to the City Ground on 30 August.
Graham Potter is keen to make use of Ward-Prowse as he continues to reshape the Irons' squad since taking charge on 9 January, with predecessor Julen Lopetegui having sanctioned his loan move.
James Ward-Prowse will have point to prove at West Ham
Being sent out on loan barely 12 months after signing for a club is often a sure sign that the transfer has been a failure, but Ward-Prowse still has plenty left to give in claret and blue after a solid first season.
It's rather baffling that Lopetegui chose to leave himself short of a Premier League-capable midfielder by greenlighting Ward-Prowse's loan, given how lacklustre the Irons have been in the engine room.
The likes of Guido Rodriguez – signed as a free agent at Lopetegui's behest – being preferred in midfield has proven to be a mistake, with the Hammers lacking mobility and final-third quality all season long.
Ward-Prowse, and notably his set-piece ability, will bring much more of that once his return to East London is confirmed, and with Potter keen to rectify Lopetegui's errors, the move makes a lot of sense.
Leaving his decision so late in the winter window, despite Ward-Prowse clearly being out of favour at Forest, suggests something of a panic, but extra numbers in the Irons' midfield will be welcome anytime.
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