Southampton discover return for former captain amid West Ham exileWard-Prowse’s unsure place at West Ham
Southampton are contemplating a January transfer to re-sign James Ward-Prowse after the midfielder was frozen out by West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo, based on . Senior reporter Andrew Dillon has revealed that the England worldwide has been informed he has no future on the London Stadium and won’t be concerned in first-team coaching.
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Ward-Prowse left St Mary’s in 2023 in a £30 million deal following relegation, however his standing has shortly shifted. Omitted from the squad for West Ham’s recreation towards Everton, his absence highlights how far he has fallen below Nuno, regardless of being an everyday starter below former coach Graham Potter.
Saints determine alternative in winter window
Southampton are desirous to strengthen of their push for promotion again to the Premier League and Ward-Prowse represents each high quality and familiarity. Dillon experiences that influential figures behind the scenes are prepared to carry contemporary negotiations with West Ham, satisfied that the 30-year-old might play a pivotal function of their marketing campaign.
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Ward-Prowse’s contract, price £115,000 per week earlier than bonuses, makes him a excessive earner, however his potential affect on Southampton’s midfield stays important. Recognized for his set-piece capability, which Potter as soon as described as “very harmful”, he would convey each management and technical precision.
Strategic timing for Southampton
The Saints have already carried out enterprise with West Ham this season, promoting Mateus Fernandes in a deal price as much as £42 million, whereas Kyle Walker-Peters additionally made the swap to East London. These current channels of negotiation might clean the trail for Ward-Prowse’s return.
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It’s understood that Ward-Prowse dealt with Nuno’s determination professionally, with out confrontation, however his omission presents Southampton with a well timed probability. His return wouldn’t simply be symbolic, it could be aimed squarely at guaranteeing rapid promotion.
Potential affect on promotion push
For Will Nonetheless, bringing again Ward-Prowse would add a confirmed Championship-level performer who is aware of each the membership and the calls for of management. A return would supply vitality in midfield, precision from set-pieces and a rallying figurehead for a promotion push.
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This report can be met with pleasure and hope amongst Southampton supporters. James Ward-Prowse stays the determine who finest represents the identification of the membership over the previous decade. His management, professionalism and technical brilliance from dead-ball conditions had been defining options of his time at St Mary’s, and followers have lengthy dreamed of a reunion.
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Ward-Prowse is not only one other participant, he’s a logo of the connection between the membership and its neighborhood. To see him again in purple and white would really feel like a restoration of satisfaction, notably at a time when the purpose of promotion calls for each expertise and stability. Supporters know his qualities, from his tireless work price to his trademark free kicks, and consider that he may very well be the lacking ingredient within the push for a right away return to the Premier League.
There’s additionally a recognition that West Ham not worth him, which makes the timing good. For Southampton followers, the thought of seeing him forged apart in London is irritating, however his potential comeback feels poetic, an opportunity for redemption for each the participant and the membership. If Ward-Prowse does stroll again out at St Mary’s this winter, it should really feel like greater than only a signing, it should really feel just like the return of a frontrunner to information them house.