James Ward-Prowse has completed his £30m move from Southampton to West Ham United.
Ward-Prowse signed a four-year deal with the Hammers, which means he is back in the Premier League quickly after Southampton was kicked out.
The 28-year-old played 410 times for Southampton and was the team’s captain when they were kicked out of the Premier League.
Declan Rice, another English midfielder, moved to Arsenal for £105 million in July, leaving a hole at the London Stadium. When he gets there, he will fill that spot.
“From the outside looking in, this is a club that has been on the rise for a number of years now and coming off the success in the UEFA Europa Conference League last year,” Ward-Prowse said.
“You can feel there is real momentum around this club. It’s great to be a part of it and I can’t wait to play my role in the games to come.”
Introducing our new 7-Iron ⚒️ pic.twitter.com/ZIfCuifU0v
— West Ham United (@WestHam) August 14, 2023
Ward-Prowse lived on the south coast for 20 years after joining Southampton’s academy when he was 8.
During his time at St Mary’s, he won 11 England caps and scored two goals for his country.
Ward-Prowse scored 17 free kicks for Southampton in the Premier League. He only needs one more to tie David Beckham for the most in the league.
He is West Ham’s second big signing since the end of last season. They recently got Edson Alvarez from Ajax, who is a midfielder.
“When I think about my game, it is based on hard work, graft, and giving 100 per cent. West Ham has always been a club that epitomises that,” Ward-Prowse said.
“I feel as though I will fit straight in and I can promise I will give my all for this football club in my time here.”
JWP has a message for the Claret and Blue Army 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/bdYOEWdzPA
— West Ham United (@WestHam) August 14, 2023