James Ward-Prowse West Ham future looks increasingly bleak after Nuno Espirito Santo’s brutal decision to exclude him from the squad against Everton. The midfielder, who joined the Hammers in a £30m move from Southampton in 2023, appears to be surplus to requirements under the new manager.
Ward-Prowse started all five Premier League matches under Graham Potter before his sacking, but Nuno’s arrival has dramatically changed the picture. TEAMtalk reports that the 30-year-old now faces the prospect of a January exit, with Southampton already tipped as a potential destination.
Why Ward-Prowse has been dropped
The situation is complicated by the pair’s past. Ward-Prowse played under Nuno last season during a loan spell at Nottingham Forest, but the stint ended early after just 10 appearances in five months. Although Nuno praised his professionalism at the time, the relationship did not translate into long-term trust.
TEAMtalk’s Dean Jones explained: “You would like to think he would at least get a chance to make an early impression but the signs are that he is not part of the picture at West Ham and won’t be coming back into the frame. The player knows the writing is already on the wall and he is going to have to carefully consider how he brings his season back to life.”
“The player knows the writing is already on the wall… a January transfer is going to be on the cards and there is already a whisper that he is going to get the chance to return to Southampton.” — Dean Jones, TEAMtalk
Ward-Prowse’s numbers at West Ham
| Stat (since 2023) | James Ward-Prowse |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 73 |
| Goals | 8 |
| Assists | 12 |
| England caps | 11 |
source: club data – 30 September 2025
Despite being West Ham’s set-piece specialist, Ward-Prowse has struggled to replicate the form that made him a Southampton stalwart and earned him international recognition.
Analyst verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William noted: “This feels like the end of the road for Ward-Prowse at West Ham. Nuno wants high intensity and younger legs in midfield, while Ward-Prowse thrives in a more controlled environment. The January window looks like the natural moment for a parting of ways.”
He added: “A return to Southampton makes sense. The club knows him, he’d add leadership, and it would allow him to rebuild confidence in familiar surroundings.”
Key insights
- Ward-Prowse dropped by Nuno Espirito Santo for Everton match.
- Sources say a January exit is “highly likely,” with Southampton linked.
- The midfielder cost West Ham £30m in 2023.
- He has 73 appearances, 8 goals and 12 assists for the Hammers.
- Ward-Prowse and Nuno previously worked together at Nottingham Forest.
What’s next for Ward-Prowse and West Ham?
West Ham remain second-bottom of the Premier League and face Arsenal next, a daunting challenge for Nuno’s second game in charge. With survival the top priority, Nuno is expected to reshape the squad around players who fit his philosophy – leaving Ward-Prowse out in the cold.
For the midfielder, the January transfer window looms as a potential lifeline. If Southampton or another Premier League club comes calling, Ward-Prowse could yet reignite his career away from London Stadium.
👉 Should James Ward-Prowse cut ties with West Ham in January and seek a Premier League return to Southampton?
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