(Credit: Manh Tung)

Josh Edwards

Tue 7 April 2026 14:10, UK

James Ward-Prowse is out of contract at West Ham United at the end of next season.

Despite having rarely put a foot wrong, Ward-Prowse was one of those shipped out of the London Stadium in January.

The midfielder joined Burnley on loan for the remainder of the season, where he has since made seven appearances, with one assist to his name in that time.

However, the 31-year-old is due to return to West Ham this summer, where the Hammers will have a big call to make on his future.

And West Ham’s battle against relegation may have a big say in the final decision.

What’s next for James Ward-Prowse?

Prior to his loan exit, Ward-Prowse had made just six appearances for West Ham this season, with five of those having been in the Premier League.

Nuno Espirito Santo saw no use for the midfielder, just as he did when he was in charge of Nottingham Forest in the previous campaign.

When he returns from his loan this summer, he will have just one year left on his deal at the London Stadium, but it feels highly unlikely that he will see that out.

West Ham already have several players ahead of him in the pecking order, with more reinforcements expected in the summer.

An exit, this time permanently, feels the most likely outcome for Ward-Prowse, though that decision may hinge on how successful the Irons are in their attempts to avoid relegation.

West Ham relegation could save Ward-Prowse’s career

If the Hammers are in the Premier League next season, Ward-Prowse has no future. That much is clear.

However, the midfielder still holds value that would certainly be of use in the Championship if they were to suffer relegation.

While his minutes this season have been limited, Ward-Prowse actually ranks in the top 2.4 per cent of midfielders for big chances created per 90, as well as the top seven per cent for chances created.

That demonstrates the level of creativity he still has in his game, especially from set pieces, which may be crucial if relegation occurs.