James Ward-Prowse Joins West Ham

West Ham United have completed the signing of English midfielder James Ward-Prowse from relegated Southampton.

The London-based club paid a transfer fee worth £30 million to complete the deal, days after Naija News reported that West Ham have made a bid worth £60 million for both Ward-Prowse and Manchester United defender Harry Maguire.

While West Ham United are still waiting for Maguire to respond to their offer, Ward-Prowse has agreed to a four-year deal with the Hammers.

The 28-year-old English international who joined Southampton when he was eight years old, was the captain of the team when they were relegated to the Championship last season.

In October 2011, at the age of 16, Ward-Prowse made his Saints debut against Crystal Palace in an EFL Cup match. On the first day of the 2012–13 season, he made his Premier League debut.

The only player to have more goals in the Premier League than Ward-Prowse (17 goals from direct free-kicks) is David Beckham, who is famous for his set-piece delivery.

Ward-Prowse became the captain of Southampton in 2020 and made 410 senior appearances for the club before his exit to West Ham.

After completing his move to West Ham, Ward-Prowse said, “I’m buzzing to be here at West Ham United.

“From the outside looking in, this is a club that has been on the rise for several years now, and coming off the success in the Europa Conference League last year, you can feel there is real momentum around this club.”

While the manager of West Ham David Moyes added: “He’s performed to a very high level in the Premier League over the last decade, constantly producing good numbers season after season.

“His leadership qualities are another huge plus for us – he’ll be a big voice for us, someone who drives the team on from the middle of the pitch.”