West Ham United are ready to listen to offers for midfielder James Ward-Prowse this month, amid reports former club Southampton are eyeing a sensational return for their ex-captain.
This fresh development comes after Hammers’ boss Nuno Espirito Santo made it clear that the 31-year-old is no longer part of his plans.
Saying, as per Match of the Day via X, “The situation with James is clear from some time ago. I think he is not in the options, and it’s for us to find the best solution for his future.”
West Ham United open to offers for former Southampton star James Ward-Prowse
According to a report from The Daily Mail, West Ham will listen to offers for Ward-Prowse this January window as Nuno looks to reshape his midfield options at the London Stadium.
The former Nottingham Forest loanee has slipped down the pecking order under the Portuguese coach, and his omission from recent matchday squads has underlined just how far he has fallen from favour, if you couldn’t already tell from Nuno’s aforementioned quote.
Seeing as though GiveMeSport revealed that Southampton were plotting an ambitious move to re-sign Ward-Prowse in October, this update will surely be welcomed in Hampshire.
It was understood by GMS that Ward-Prowse took the news that he wasn’t going to be involved at West Ham this season professionally, and there was no argument – which is backed up by Nuno saying it’s been clear “from some time ago.”
Why it makes sense for Southampton to re-sign West Ham United’s James Ward-Prowse
James Ward-Prowse Southampton
In truth, any talk of Ward-Prowse leaving West Ham is always going to prompt instant speculation about a Southampton comeback, given the depth of his connection with the club.
The midfielder, of course, joined Saints’ academy as an eight-year-old and rose through the ranks to make more than 410 appearances for the first-team – as well as captaining the side and becoming an England international.
Even last season at Forest on loan, it didn’t work out for him after only playing ten times, so a move back to Southampton could tick multiple boxes. Ward-Prowse would return to a familiar environment while stepping into a 15th-place Championship side who are still only eight points off the play-offs.
The financial side of things and competition from other interested clubs could all complicate any potential deal, but his experience suggests he still has plenty to offer to help Eckert side’s push up the second tier.
According to Capology estimates, Ward-Prowse is earning an estimated salary of £115k-a-week at West Ham, £40k-a-week more than Saints’ apparent top-earner, Joe Aribo.
Ultimately, the Hammers’ willingness to listen to offers combined with Southampton’s interest opens up a window of opportunity that may not present itself again in quite the same way.
Whether this winter window leads to an emotional homecoming at St Mary’s or a fresh challenge elsewhere, this month is shaping up to be pivotal one for Ward-Prowse’s future.
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