Southampton are considering a move to bring West Ham United midfielder James Ward-Prowse back to St Mary’s before the transfer window closes.
The 31-year-old spent more than two decades with Southampton before joining the Hammers for around £30million in 2023, but his future in east London remains uncertain.
According to talkSPORT, Southampton are now considering re-signing their former captain following Shea Charles’ departure for Fulham.
James Ward-Prowse could leave West Ham for Southampton
Ward-Prowse has entered the final year of his West Ham contract and has struggled to establish himself as a regular under Nuno Espírito Santo.
His situation did appear to improve earlier this month after he returned from a loan spell at Burnley.
ReadWestHam reported that Nuno had handed Ward-Prowse a fresh opportunity, with the midfielder subsequently returning to the first-team picture.
His long association with Southampton makes a potential transfer particularly interesting.
Ward-Prowse joined the Saints academy aged eight and went on to make 410 senior appearances, eventually becoming club captain before their relegation from the Premier League in 2023.
His future became a major talking point when West Ham travelled to St Mary’s this week, with ReadWestHam examining whether the midfielder could prove Nuno wrong against his former club.
Southampton are now considering making that reunion permanent.
However, talkSPORT reports West Ham could be reluctant to sanction another departure after already losing several senior players this summer.
Ward-Prowse therefore has a decision approaching over whether to fight for a place in Nuno’s promotion squad or potentially complete an emotional return to the club where his career began.
