Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Thu 23 April 2026 13:15, UK

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West Ham United are expected to sell James Ward-Prowse this summer, although his performance on Wednesday may have caused second thoughts.

The former England international is spending the second half of the season on loan at Burnley, after he was banished from the first team by Nuno Espirito Santo.

The 31-year-old started the first five Premier League games of the season under Graham Potter, but was immediately removed from consideration upon the arrival of the Portuguese manager.

Ward-Prowse spent the first half of last season on loan at Nottingham Forest under Nuno, but returned in January amid a lack of minutes.

West Ham transfer chiefs will have a decision to make on the midfielder this summer, with his performance in Wednesday’s 1-0 loss to Manchester City standing out.

James Ward-Prowse makes point vs Man City

Football Insider exclusively revealed in October that Ward-Prowse had been left in the cold by West Ham, with Nuno clearly not a fan of the midfielder.

The Hammers boss will put his decision down to tactical reasons, but it can be inferred that the pair are not particularly fond of each other.

Ward-Prowse was sent to Burnley as a precursor to a summer move, with the 31-year-old having just one year remaining on the contract he signed after making his £30million move from Southampton in 2023.

But his performance as the Clarets narrowly lost to Man City on Wednesday will have raised some eyebrows.

The former England international drew four fouls and racked up astonishing defensive numbers, losing just two duels throughout the contest.

Ward-Prowse made five tackles, three clearances and produced a staggering nine recoveries, suggesting that he is far from done at the top level.

What Nuno Espirito Santo has said about Ward-Prowse

Just days before he was loaned out to Burnley, Ward-Prowse miraculously appeared in the West Ham squad to play Sunderland in January.

The midfielder had not been seen once under Nuno, who explained that his appearance was due to absences elsewhere.

“There have been some movements in the squad and we have the situation of some absences,“ the Hammers boss said. “James is here and if he’s required he will help us.“

Unsurprisingly, Ward-Prowse did not make it onto the pitch, and was loaned out just days later.

As long as Nuno stays in charge, the midfielder is unlikely to stay at the club, with the 52-year-old’s sacking likely representing his only route back.

Burnley’s relegation was confirmed on Wednesday, and Ward-Prowse may be hoping West Ham follow suit.