James Ward-Prowse exit update at West Ham emerges as Southampton eye shock transfer | OneFootball

West Ham United's James Ward-Prowse could be in line for a January exit and Southampton have interest in a return for the midfielder.

An update has emerged regarding Southampton potentially re-signing James Ward-Prowse in the January transfer window, with the West Ham United midfielder out of favour at the London Stadium.

Ward-Prowse joined the Hammers in the 2023 summer transfer window following Southampton’s relegation from the Premier League. The free-kick specialist was captain prior to leaving the club, playing once in 2023/24 before joining the London club.

The 31-year-old has 11 caps for his country and featured in over 400 games for the Saints, with whom he had been with since 2003. Southampton could bring Ward-Prowse in to help their promotion push in January, with Tonda Eckert's side just outside of the play-offs.

James Ward-Prowse's situation at West Ham United amid Southampton interest

It's not been a successful time since the switch to West Ham in a deal worth a reported £30 million, and GiveMeSport report that the Saints are eyeing a return for the midfielder after he was iced out by new manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

It’s understood that the Hammers’ new boss has informed Ward-Prowse that he is no longer of use to the club. It is also believed that Ward-Prowse is keen to earn game time elsewhere, which could open the door to a January return to St. Mary’s.

Now, the latest comes via The Guardian. They state Niclas Fullkrug is someone who the club are keen to offload, but that West Ham could increase their transfer budget by offloading Ward-Prowse and Luis Guilherme. It offers Southampton hope for next month.

The pair have been earmarked as sales to raise funds towards other players in the January transfer window, with a striker wanted and Nuno also keen to acquire a centre-back as well. He has started six times this season, but Ward-Prowse hasn't made a matchday squad since September.

James Ward-Prowse's struggles since leaving Southampton

Not only has Ward-Prowse failed to score a free-kick since leaving Southampton but he has not made an England squad since, either. The move to remain a Premier League player has not worked out whatsoever for his career.

Over the course of the last three-and-a-half seasons, he has featured 73 times for West Ham and 10 times during a loan with Nottingham Forest. The first campaign at the Hammers saw him receive 51 of those, with seven goals and 11 assists.

However, a player renowned for his ever-present nature has more often been missing than not since then, with just 32 games since. Southampton could be a way out during the twilight of his career, and in familiar surroundings as well.