Credit: Imago

Max Wilkins

Tue 28 April 2026 7:10, UK

West Ham United shipped James Ward-Prowse off to Burnley in January.

The 11-cap England international was once a highly anticipated signing to add to David Moyes’ side at the London Stadium.

Things certainly haven’t worked out for the midfielder, and he has fallen further down the pecking order with every passing season.

That all came crashing down to rock bottom with the appointment of Nuno Espirito Santo, who had frozen the 31-year-old when the pair were both at Nottingham Forest.

Ward-Prowse departed to join Burnley on loan, as we now assess what we know about his current deal in East London ahead of his return.

What is James Ward-Prowse’s contract situation at West Ham?

It was made clear that things just weren’t going to work out for the ex-Southampton man when the Portuguese head coach came in.

That has led to a disappointing temporary spell at Turf Moor, which has ultimately ended with the Clarets facing relegation.

If the Englishman was looking to make a positive impression that could serve him well going back to East London, he really failed.

That won’t serve him well with the Irons, given that his contract has just one year remaining until expiry in the summer of 2027.

He put pen to paper on a four-year deal in 2023, which reportedly earns him a weekly wage of £57,000 and a yearly salary in the region of £2.9million.

Ward-Prowse now faces an uncertain future at West Ham, with the summer transfer window looming over his head at this stage.

Could Ward-Prowse return to Burnley permanently?

It hasn’t been a match between the midfielder and the Lancashire outfit, but that may be down to their struggles in the Premier League.

Things may change now that the Clarets have confirmed their return to the Championship ahead of next season.

Ward-Prowse may prove to be an asset in the second tier, especially if Burnley can agree a cut-price fee for his signature.

That would surely be possible as his future at West Ham feels untenable, but it would all depend on whether Scott Parker’s side want him back.

If not, it still feels likely that he will depart the London Stadium; it is just a case of where he takes his next step.