West Ham United has completed the signing of Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse for a fee believed to be around £30 million. The 28-year-old midfielder underwent a medical on Friday before finalizing the move. Ward-Prowse, who had spent his entire career with Southampton, has signed a contract with West Ham until the summer of 2027.
Ward-Prowse’s departure from Southampton marks the end of a long and successful tenure at the club, where he made 422 appearances and scored 55 goals. He had been named captain of the team in 2020 and became known for his set-piece expertise, scoring 17 direct free-kick goals in the Premier League, just one shy of David Beckham’s record.
Expressing his excitement about joining West Ham, Ward-Prowse stated that he’s looking forward to contributing to the club’s momentum, having observed their rise over the past few years. He emphasized his commitment to hard work and giving his all for the team.
West Ham manager David Moyes praised Ward-Prowse’s consistent performance in the Premier League and highlighted his leadership qualities, which will be valuable for the team. Ward-Prowse is expected to be a strong presence both on and off the pitch, contributing to West Ham’s efforts to maintain their positive trajectory.
Ward-Prowse’s transfer comes as part of West Ham’s active summer, during which they’ve also signed Mexico midfielder Edson Alvarez from Ajax. The club has been looking to strengthen its squad and build on their successes, and the acquisition of Ward-Prowse adds depth and experience to their midfield.
With West Ham having sold Declan Rice to Arsenal for a significant fee, the arrival of Ward-Prowse provides a potential replacement who can contribute with his skills and leadership qualities. Ward-Prowse will wear the No. 7 shirt for West Ham and is expected to make an impact on and off the field as the club continues to compete in both domestic and European competitions.
READ ALSO: Aston Villa’s Tyrone Mings Sidelined with Severe Knee Injury
