James Ward-Prowse: From Saints Captain to West Ham Outcast
LONDON, 28 January 2026 – James Ward-Prowse’s career stands at a curious crossroads. Once the heartbeat of Southampton and a record-breaking set-piece specialist, the 31-year-old midfielder now finds himself frozen out at West Ham United, his future the subject of intense speculation as the transfer window draws to a close. This is the story of a player whose pinpoint delivery once made him indispensable, but who now searches for a route back to relevance.
A Career Forged on the South Coast
James Michael Edward Ward-Prowse’s footballing identity is inextricably linked to Southampton. Born in Portsmouth in 1994, he joined the Saints’ academy at eight years old, famously training secretly with non-League Havant & Waterlooville to toughen himself up. His first-team debut arrived in October 2011 at just 16, and he never looked back. Over 12 seasons, he made over 400 appearances for the club, captaining the side from 2020 and breaking the club’s record for Premier League appearances. His legacy was cemented by his extraordinary prowess from dead-ball situations, scoring 17 direct free-kicks for Southampton and earning praise from Pep Guardiola as “the greatest free-kick taker in the world.”
The West Ham Conundrum
Following Southampton’s relegation in 2023, Ward-Prowse sought a new challenge, joining West Ham United for a reported £30 million. His start was promising, with a “dream debut” featuring two assists against Chelsea. However, his tenure in East London has been defined by instability. After one season under David Moyes, he was loaned to Nottingham Forest for the 2024/25 campaign—a move that lasted only until February 2025 after he fell out of favour with manager Nuno Espírito Santo. Upon his return to West Ham, the pattern repeated; Nuno, now in charge at the London Stadium, has completely excluded Ward-Prowse from first-team plans since September 2025. Reports suggest the club is resigned to taking a significant loss on their initial investment, with his estimated transfer value having plummeted.
James Ward-Prowse: Key Facts & Career Statistics
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James Michael Edward Ward-Prowse |
| Date of Birth | 1 November 1994 (Age 31) |
| Place of Birth | Portsmouth, England |
| Current Club | West Ham United (Contract until 2027) |
| Primary Position | Central Midfielder (Deep-lying playmaker) |
| Southampton Appearances | 410+ (Club record Premier League appearances) |
| Notable Transfer | Southampton to West Ham, August 2023 (£30m) |
| England Caps | 11 Senior Caps, 2 Goals |
| Signature Skill | Direct free-kicks (17 Premier League goals) |
International Career and Recent Omissions
Ward-Prowse has been a reliable performer for England across all youth levels, captaining the Under-21s. He earned his senior debut under Gareth Southgate in 2017. Despite spells of excellent club form, particularly after his move to West Ham, he has often found himself on the fringes of the national squad, with Southgate historically favouring other options in a crowded midfield. His last senior cap came in 2022, and his current exile from club football has effectively ended his international prospects for the foreseeable future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is James Ward-Prowse returning to Southampton?
As of January 2026, this appears unlikely. Despite speculation linking him with a return to his former club, reports indicate Ward-Prowse himself is not interested in a move back to Southampton, who are currently competing in the Championship. His preference is believed to be remaining in the Premier League.
Why is James Ward-Prowse not playing for West Ham?
Ward-Prowse is currently out of favour with West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo. This is a continuation of their relationship from their brief time together at Nottingham Forest. Nuno has not selected Ward-Prowse for any matchday squad since taking over at West Ham in 2025, deeming him surplus to requirements.
What is James Ward-Prowse’s estimated transfer value?
His market value has fallen significantly. Reports from late 2025 suggested an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of around €7.7 million (£6.6m), a stark drop from the £30 million West Ham paid Southampton in 2023. Any move in January 2026 would likely involve a loan deal, with interested clubs reportedly from the Championship.
How many free-kicks has James Ward-Prowse scored?
Ward-Prowse has scored 17 direct free-kicks in the Premier League, placing him second on the all-time list behind David Beckham (18). A remarkable 13 of those goals were scored away from home, setting a Premier League record.