West Ham now in talks to send James Ward-Prowse on loan to relegation rivals
James Ward-Prowse finally looks set to leave West Ham.
Ward-Prowse hasn’t featured for West Ham ever since Nuno Espirito Santo was appointed as the head coach in September 2025.
The English midfielder has remained professional in the last few months, despite not being in contention to play for the Hammers.
Although he was on the bench in West Ham’s 3-1 win over Sunderland on Saturday, the 31-year-old now looks set to move to another Premier League side.
Burnley in talks to sign James Ward-Prowse on loan
Ward-Prowse had already been linked with Burnley, who sit 19th in the table and are just five points behind the Hammers.
Scott Parker’s side look nailed-on for relegation, although the midfielder will certainly slot into the starting lineup after their captain, Josh Cullen, was ruled out for the rest of the season.
The Telegraph journalist Mike McGrath has reported that talks have begun between West Ham and Burnley over a loan move for Ward-Prowse.
There were initial reports that the Hammers wouldn’t let the 31-year-old leave, although it’s clear that Nuno doesn’t value him as part of his plans.
Although there is no clause to sell Ward-Prowse included in the deal, Nuno would be pleased to see him playing regularly in the top flight.
It is certainly a risky move for the Hammers, as they don’t want to be strengthening their relegation rivals.
West Ham could regret letting Ward-Prowse move to Burnley
Nuno’s side are five points away from safety, and although they have won their last two matches, their Premier League status is at risk.
Burnley would have to undergo a huge revival in order to avoid dropping back down to the Championship, but West Ham have just given them an experienced player with Premier League pedigree.
Nuno’s lack of faith in Ward-Prowse is confusing, and he definitely could have helped the team during their dreadful run of form over the festive period.
| Stat | Ward-Prowse |
| Appearances | 73 |
| Goals | 8 |
| Assists | 12 |
Since moving to E20 for £30million in August 2023, he has been a useful asset at the London Stadium, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he succeeds in Lancashire.
Iff Burnley somehow manage to overtake West Ham in the table, letting Parker’s side have Ward-Prowse on loan would be one of the stupidest deals David Sullivan has ever sanctioned.
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