Southampton ‘in talks’ with West Ham over James Ward-Prowse return | OneFootball

Southampton have opened discussions over a return for James Ward-Prowse as they seek a midfield replacement for Shea Charles, according to Sainstmarching.com.

The former captain left in 2023 after relegation under Nathan Jones and Ruben Selles, then joined David Moyes’s Europa Conference League-winning West Ham side.

Despite a first season that brought 51 appearances, 7 goals and 11 assists in claret and blue, Ward-Prowse was not favoured by Julien Lopetegui, Graham Potter or Nuno Espírito Santo. Loan spells at Nottingham Forest and Burnley did not revive his trajectory.

Any move would hinge on an agreement over a fee with West Ham, and could develop late in the window. The midfielder is said to be keen.

Comparisons have been drawn with Oriol Romeu, who returned in the 2025/26 season at 34 and could not match earlier levels. Ward-Prowse is three years younger and is not regarded as a player whose legs have gone. He could offer Tonda Eckert’s side experience, reliable passing and set-piece quality, though some would still prefer a more athletic like-for-like for Charles.

With under a week remaining in the window, technical director Johannes Spors has plenty still to do and a reunion could yet materialise.

Source: Sainstmarching.com

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