Southampton want to re-sign West Ham United ace James Ward-Prowse in deadline-busting transfer
West Ham United midfielder James Ward-Prowse is wanted on a permanent deal by Southampton before Friday’s transfer deadline, according to TEAMtalk.
TEAMtalk reported on 28 August that Ward-Prowse’s former side want to re-sign the 29-year-old, who is reportedly being touted for an exit from the Irons despite starting their EFL Cup tie against Bournemouth.
Ward-Prowse only signed for the Hammers following Southampton’s relegation to the Championship in 2023, but the Saints are keen to re-sign their former captain after bouncing back within one season.
The Irons reportedly want to recoup £25million of the £30m fee they paid for Ward-Prowse 12 months ago to assuage profit and sustainability concerns, with Southampton “working hard” to secure a transfer.
James Ward-Prowse exit from West Ham now looks inevitable
One season at the London Stadium has hardly been enough for Ward-Prowse to make a name for himself as an Irons player, but Southampton’s promotion to the top flight could see him make a return ‘home’.
Yet to score one of his trademark free-kicks in West Ham colours, Ward-Prowse still netted on seven occasions in his debut season, including a goal directly from a corner against Wolves in April.
Regardless, it seems as if Julen Lopetegui doesn’t see Ward-Prowse as one of the first names on the team sheet, and thus he may push for an exit if his Premier League minutes continue to be restricted [talkSPORT, 27 August].
Guido Rodriguez’s arrival on a free transfer, as well as Lucas Paqueta’s potential ban for breaching FA betting rules being delayed [The Times, 17 July], has pushed Ward-Prowse to the outer among Lopetegui’s midfield options.
With the England national team also in transition, a move may be the best course of action if Ward-Prowse wants to fight his way back into international contention; his last cap coming in 2022.
In other West Ham news, club source have stated their stance on reports that a forgotten England striker could be heading to East London.
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