Why James Ward-Prowse may want to leave West Ham for Southampton | OneFootball

FLW looks at why a reunion with the Saints could benefit James Ward-Prowse

Despite the recent closure of the summer transfer window, there have already been several instances in which high-profile stars have already seen their immediate futures speculated.

Southampton are one of a handful of clubs who have become involved in such transfer discourse too, whilst on the pitch, Will Still will be hoping his side can finally build some momentum after a lacklustre start to the season.

The South Coast side endured a six-game winless run that was finally put to bed in midweek with a comeback victory over Sheffield United at Bramall Lane, subsequently easing the pressure on the 32-year-old's shoulders amid a handful of early sack calls.

One club who have already made a managerial change is, of course, Premier League outfit West Ham United, who swiftly replaced Graham Potter with ex-Championship title-winner, Nuno Espírito Santo, who took charge of his first Hammers game in a 1-1 draw at Everton's brand-new Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night.

One man who was absent from the encounter was former Saints captain, James Ward-Prowse. And, in a shock turn of events, it has been reported by FLW's sister publication, GIVEMESPORT, that the central midfielder could be on for a shock St Mary's return after being frozen out by the Portuguese.

With that being said, here are some of the reasons why this agreement could benefit all parties.

James Ward-Prowse would return to familiar surroundings

Undoubtedly, the biggest factor that could entice Ward-Prowse back to the Solent club is the familiarity it would provide.

Despite the fact Saints have changed manager twice since his departure in August 2023 for £30m, there are still several players among the ranks that the deep-lying midfielder featured alongside in the Premier League and in a limited period of Championship action following relegation.

Even more so, Ward-Prowse would immediately be familiar with the supporters' demand for success after previously spending four years as club captain during an overall period in which he scored 55 times and posted a further 52 assists in a staggering 410 appearances after coming through the club's high-profile Staplewood academy.

As a result, his awareness of the surroundings and the pressures would not just immediately get him onside with those in the stands, but it could also benefit several potential teammates who had been acquired following Still's summer appointment.

Ward-Prowse would suit Will Still's methods at Southampton

Another benefit is that a player of such experience and great technical ability would immediately suit Still's methods at St Mary's, with the 32-year-old adopting a style in which his side hopes to have control in several encounters.

Of course, control and possession dominance hasn't translated into consistent results thus far, with Saints at times criticised for labouring their way through the pitch.

Shea Charles and Casper Jander have started to show signs of a competent double-pivot at the base of midfield, but given the high-profile nature of a potential return, Ward-Prowse would immediately slot into one of those two roles.

As such, his ability to dictate the tempo of a game from deep, as well as his vision, would allow the Reds to move from back-to-front at such greater speed, whether that be playing it out wide to the likes of Ryan Fraser and Tom Fellows, or sliding in the likes of Finn Azaz, Ross Stewart, Adam Armstrong or Cameron Archer through on goal to add to their personal accounts.

Proven Premier League quality if Southampton achieve promotion

As such, the aforementioned on-pitch qualities could determine whether Southampton make an immediate return to the Premier League or not. If they were to do so, then they already have a proven top-flight performer at their disposal.

It has been a challenging period for Ward-Prowse at the London Stadium despite the occasional flash of brilliance as the Hammers vacancy proved to be too much for Potter and his predecessor, Julen Lopetegui after David Moyes' initial departure.

At the age of 30, the Portsmouth-born man still has plenty of years left in the tank at a high level, and his qualities, either on the ball and through his leadership, would only help Saints as they look to re-establish themselves amongst the top-flight after a handful of years in decline.