West Ham United sign Southampton’s midfielder James Ward-Prowse for £30 million

Posted : 14 August 2023

West Ham United has successfully secured the signature of midfielder James Ward-Prowse from Southampton, with the transfer fee believed to be around £30 million.

The 28-year-old England international has inked a four-year deal with the Hammers, marking a significant move in his career.

Ward-Prowse's journey began at Southampton when he joined at the tender age of eight. He went on to accumulate an impressive tally of 410 senior appearances for the club and even captained the team. However, following their relegation to the Championship last season, he decided to embark on a new chapter.

In his excitement about the move, Ward-Prowse stated, "I'm absolutely thrilled to be part of West Ham United. Looking at the club from the outside, it's clear they've been making steady progress over the years. Following their success in the Europa Conference League last season, there's a palpable sense of momentum surrounding this club."

West Ham's manager, David Moyes, shared his thoughts on the acquisition, saying, "Ward-Prowse has consistently demonstrated a high level of performance in the Premier League for over a decade, consistently delivering impressive statistics season after season. His role as a leader on the field is an invaluable asset for us. He's going to be a prominent figure on the pitch, someone who motivates and propels the team from the heart of the action."

Ward-Prowse's journey with Southampton commenced when he made his debut at the age of 16 in an EFL Cup match against Crystal Palace back in October 2011. His Premier League debut followed in the opening game of the 2012-13 season. The midfielder's name became synonymous with expert set-piece delivery, a skill that saw him net 17 goals from direct free-kicks in the Premier League—second only to David Beckham.

Acknowledging his departure, Southampton praised Ward-Prowse's contributions, stating, "As a product of the Saints academy, he stands as one of the most exceptional talents to emerge from our ranks. His unwavering dedication to Southampton FC, both on and off the pitch, and his active engagement in the community have solidified his legacy as a true Saints legend."

The acquisition of Ward-Prowse is part of West Ham's active summer, during which they have notably sold England midfielder Declan Rice to Arsenal for a staggering £105 million. The club's pursuits also saw the arrival of Mexico midfielder Edson Alvarez from Ajax in a deal estimated at around £35 million. Furthermore, a deal for Manchester United defender Harry Maguire is in the works, and there's interest in securing a loan move for Manchester City's Cole Palmer.

West Ham United sign Southampton’s midfielder James Ward-Prowse for £30 million

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