Ward-Prowse on his way for medical after West Ham United agreement in principle – David Ornstein
West Ham midfielder James Ward-Prowse is heading for a medical at Nottingham Forest, David Ornstein has said.
The Athletic journalist reported (30 August) that an agreement has been reached in principle between the two sides ahead of a season-long loan move.
Ornstein added that there is no option or obligation to buy included for Forest for a player who only moved to the London Stadium in August 2023.
Ward-Prowse a victim of transfer circumstance at West Ham
Ward-Prowse scored seven goals and added as many assists during his debut campaign with the Hammers after joining from Southampton 12 months ago.
But Julen Lopetegui has been busy building the team into his own mould over the summer transfer window and the addition of Guido Rodriguez coupled with the impending arrival of Carlos Soler from Paris Saint-Germain (Nacho Sanchis) means playing opportunities were likely to be limited this term.
The only slight surprise is that there is no purchase or obligation option included. It is very difficult to see how Ward-Prowse has a future with the Irons a year from now if he is deemed surplus to requirements now.
On the flip side, if he goes to Forest and impresses at the City Ground then it might mean more suitors come in for 29-year-old a year from mean, potentially driving up the price (albeit he will be a year older by then).
West Ham had to balance the squad out given the plethora of additions this summer and Ward-Prowse is a victim of the circumstances.
In other West Ham news, an exit stance on another Hammers ace has emerged on deadline day.
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