Three Premier League clubs who should rival Southampton as West Ham make James Ward-Prowse transfer call
James Ward-Prowse’s circumstances at West Ham United have drastically changed since Nuno Espirito Santo replaced Graham Potter at the London Stadium.
Ward-Prowse started all five of the Hammers’ Premier League games under Potter this term, but he was omitted from Espirito Santo’s matchday squad when West Ham drew 1-1 at Everton on Monday, 29 September.
The 30-year-old’s absence witnessed Soungoutou Magassa make his maiden top-flight start against the Toffees.
Southampton could re-sign the midfielder, now that Ward-Prowse’s West Ham career is all but over, with the East Londoners willing to listen to offers for his services in the January transfer window.
However, the 11-cap England international could still have something to offer in the Premier League, rather than dropping back to the Championship, and three clubs could benefit from his services.
Everton
The Toffees were West Ham’s first opponents after Espirito Santo decided that he did not want to utilise his former Nottingham Forest colleague.
David Moyes’ side could also benefit from Ward-Prowse’s services, as he could provide healthy competition for James Garner, Idrissa Gueye, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Furthermore, the Southampton academy graduate’s set-piece ability could make him a dangerous asset for Everton, thanks to the height of James Tarkowski and Beto, while Jack Grealish wins several fouls.
Wolves
Wolves drew 1-1 with Tottenham last time out, but Vitor Pereira’s side have still endured a woeful start to the Premier League season.
| Wolves stats | Premier League 2025/26 |
| Position | 20th |
| Games played | 6 |
| Won | 0 |
| Drawn | 1 |
| Lost | 5 |
| Goals scored | 6 |
| Goals conceded | 14 |
Pereira desperately needs more quality in his squad, while Ward-Prowse notched seven goals and 11 assists across all competitions as recently as the 2023/24 campaign.
The 30-year-old’s crossing ability would also see him combine well with former Newcastle United transfer target Jorgen Strand Larsen.
Burnley
Burnley have enjoyed a slightly better start to the Premier League season than Wolves, with one win in six top-flight games.
However, the Clarets’ run of five games without a victory across all competitions indicates that they may need all the help they can get once the January transfer window comes around.
Signing Ward-Prowse would allow the previously defensively resolute Lancashire club to absorb pressure and hurt opponents via set plays.