Ward-Prowse left out of West Ham squad for Southampton return | OneFootball

Former Saints captain James Ward-Prowse was omitted from West Ham’s squad for his first return to St Mary’s on Tuesday.

Nuno Espirito Santo said the 31-year-old, who has made two substitute appearances this season, was fit but not selected. "We have to make the list, we have to make the list. Many of our players stayed at Rush Green, and it's normal," he told Daily Echo.

Ward-Prowse moved to the Hammers for £30 million three years ago after Saints were relegated to the Championship the first time.

Since then his career has been stop start, with just 43 league outings for three different clubs since 2024/25.

Espirito Santo previously excluded him from his Nottingham Forest squad during a loan at the City Ground, before taking over at West Ham.

The midfielder has often been linked with a return to Saints, and his potential availability could interest decision-makers at St Mary's this week. Saints are still seeking a central midfielder to replace Shea Charles, who joined Fulham in a deal worth up to £30 million earlier in August.

West Ham are tough negotiators, and finances remain a hurdle, but the Irons may lower their asking price by Tuesday's deadline. Ward-Prowse made 410 appearances after coming through the academy, scoring 55 goals and supplying a further 52.

Source: Daily Echo

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