Southampton are preparing a January move to bring James Ward-Prowse back to St Mary’s, according to fresh reports.
The midfielder only left the club two years ago but could be on his way out of West Ham United after being told he has no future under new boss Nuno Espírito Santo.
Ward-Prowse Frozen Out
Ward-Prowse, capped 11 times by England, departed his boyhood side in a £30 million transfer following Saints’ relegation from the Premier League in 2023. He has since endured a turbulent spell in east London, with Nuno leaving him out of his first matchday squad against Everton last weekend. It is understood the Portuguese coach has made clear the 30-year-old is not part of his long-term plans, with first-team training opportunities likely to be limited.
That development has encouraged Southampton to make a bold attempt to re-sign their former captain as they push for promotion back to the top flight. Will Still’s side currently sit in the Championship play-off mix and believe Ward-Prowse’s leadership and set-piece ability could be decisive in the second half of the campaign.
Saints Confident of Reunion
According to reports, Still is keen to add proven top-level experience to his squad and has identified Ward-Prowse as the perfect fit. Behind the scenes, there is growing confidence at St Mary’s that they can secure a deal, with the player’s affection for the club and the city seen as a major factor. Ward-Prowse spent over a decade in the first team at Southampton, making more than 400 appearances before his departure.
Nuno previously described him as “quality” during a short loan stint at Nottingham Forest last season, but his stance has shifted since taking the West Ham job. A January exit now appears increasingly likely, with Southampton poised to take advantage.
Writer’s View
A return for Ward-Prowse would be a significant statement for Southampton in their bid to secure promotion. His set-piece prowess and experience could provide exactly the boost Will Still’s squad needs during the Championship run-in.
For West Ham, moving him on would underline Nuno’s determination to reshape the side in his own image, even if it means parting ways with a player signed at great expense only two years ago. Whether the finances can be worked out remains to be seen, but sentiment and ambition could combine to make this one of the standout transfers of the winter window.
