Southampton need to prioritise getting a loan deal over the line for James Ward-Prowse after it has already become clear that the West Ham United star is interested in completing a move back to St Mary’s when the winter transfer window opens for business at the turn of the year.
Although Saints boosted their promotion hopes with a comeback win at Sheffield United earlier this week, thanks to Ross Stewart’s brace saving Adam Armstrong’s blushes following his missed penalty, boss Will Still needs to bring new energy into the squad when the next opportunity arises.
Ward-Prowse is still adored by Southampton supporters, having been among the first names on the team sheet and worn the captain’s armband with distinction prior to his move to West Ham in August 2023, and he should be at the top of the south coast side’s shopping list as they aim to make an immediate return to the Premier League.
Saints Must Pounce as Ward-Prowse Shows Interest
It is understood that Ward-Prowse wants to seal a move back to Southampton in January, according to talkSPORT, after he has been frozen out of the West Ham squad by new head coach Nuno Espirito Santo. With that being the case, it is simply an opportunity that Saints cannot afford to miss as they bid to escape from the Championship at the first time of asking.
Landing the central midfielder on loan until the end of the season, ahead of potentially tying up a permanent deal if the south coast side win promotion, would be a statement signing. Although it is likely that at least a portion of his £115,000-per-week wages will need to be covered in order to facilitate the switch, Sport Republic need to splash the cash.
That is because Ward-Prowse would be a transformational acquisition. Having him in a Southampton shirt again would boost the whole club and show plenty of ambition as they look to overcome an underwhelming start to the season and surge into the mix for a place in the top flight.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: James Ward-Prowse made two key passes and won one ground duel during West Ham United’s defeat to Crystal Palace last month
GIVEMESPORT senior reporter Andrew Dillon has revealed that the 30-year-old has already been told that he has no future in east London, following Nuno’s appointment as Graham Potter’s successor last weekend, and it is likely that he will be training away from the first-team squad until he heads through the exit door.
Although that is incredibly harsh treatment, particularly considering Ward-Prowse had been one of the first names on West Ham’s team sheet before the alteration in the dugout, it has provided Southampton with a golden opportunity to pounce. They need to grasp that chance with both hands as soon as the transfer window reopens.
Counterparts Will Fear Ward-Prowse Making a Return
Ward-Prowse’s return to St Mary’s would leave Championship counterparts fearful of Southampton surging up the table in the second half of the campaign as he would immediately become one of the best midfielders in the second tier. Plus, Saints fans already know the carnage he can cause from set pieces.
Still is going to want to bring in good characters midway through the season, rather than taking risks. There is absolutely no doubt that the 11-cap England international would be fantastic to have in the dressing room – thanks to his experience and awareness of what it means to play for the supporters – while his ability on the pitch speaks for itself.
Southampton sold Ward-Prowse for £30million when they dropped into the Championship in 2023. But, after seeing him fall out of favour at West Ham, they must show ambition and seal his return to familiar surroundings as he would immediately make them favourites for promotion to the Premier League. He would also be their biggest signing in years.