---
title: "Southampton consider move to re-sign West Ham midfielder James Ward-Prowse"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2026/08/27/southampton-consider-move-to-re-sign-west-ham-midfielder-james-ward-prowse/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "West Ham Transfer News"
published: "2026-08-27T06:00:00Z"
modified: "2026-09-22T17:29:50Z"
---

# Southampton consider move to re-sign West Ham midfielder James Ward-Prowse

**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](https://readwestham.com/tag/southampton/) before joining the Hammers for around £30million in 2023, but his future in east London remains uncertain.

According to [talkSPORT](https://talksport.com/football/4541387/james-ward-prowse-southampton-return-west-ham-transfer/), Southampton are now considering re-signing their former captain following Shea Charles’ departure for Fulham.

> [#SaintsFC](https://x.com/hashtag/SaintsFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) exploring a move to re-sign James Ward-Prowse from West Ham. Club interested in possibility of bringing back 31yo should they be able to strike agreement with [#WHUFC](https://x.com/hashtag/WHUFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw). Story w/[@RoshaneSport](https://x.com/RoshaneSport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) on [@TheAthleticFC](https://x.com/TheAthleticFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [https://t.co/JcILn6Vrif](https://t.co/JcILn6Vrif)
>
> — Jacob Tanswell (@J\_Tanswell) [August 26, 2026](https://x.com/J_Tanswell/status/2092692235607306679?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## 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](https://readwestham.com/2026/08/17/nuno-hands-30m-james-ward-prowse-fresh-west-ham-lifeline/), 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](https://readwestham.com/2026/08/04/west-ham-on-verge-of-signing-experienced-premier-league-defender/) 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](https://readwestham.com/2026/08/25/west-ham-james-ward-prowse-nuno-southampton-return/).

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.