James Ward-Prowse’s future at West Ham United appears bleak under new manager Nuno Espirito Santo. Reports indicate that the central midfielder, who joined from Southampton in August 2023 for £30 million, has been informed he will not be part of Nuno’s plans moving forward.
Omission from Squad Shocks Fans
Nuno’s decision to leave Ward-Prowse out of the matchday squad for the recent game against Everton surprised many. This announcement came just days after Nuno took charge. Ward-Prowse, 30, was informed of his status professionally, with no altercations reported.
Match Performance Without Ward-Prowse
In the match against Everton, West Ham managed a 1-1 draw, showing resilience without their set-piece specialist. Jarrod Bowen equalized for the team after Michael Keane’s first-half goal for Everton.
Ward-Prowse’s Contract and Future
Currently, Ward-Prowse is bound to West Ham until June 2027. However, sources indicate he may need to leave the club to secure more playing time. His boyhood club, Southampton, is reportedly interested in acquiring him during the January transfer window as they pursue promotion from the Championship.
Ward-Prowse’s Performance Stats
- 73 appearances for West Ham
- 8 goals scored
- 12 assists
- Needs 1 more free-kick goal to equal David Beckham’s Premier League record of 18
Prior to his exclusion from the squad, Ward-Prowse had started each of the six matches this season. His experience and skill will likely make him an attractive option for clubs looking to strengthen their squads in January. With limited training opportunities with the first team ahead, it seems inevitable that Ward-Prowse will need to seek a new challenge soon.
