In something akin to a Walt Disney ‘circle of life’ moment, yesterday afternoon a Southampton site proudly reported that West Ham’s next midfielder on the radar and under discussion would be “[James Ward Prowse’s](https://www.claretandhugh.info/ward-prowses-comments-a-more-brutal-honesty-is-required/) successor at West Ham” which evidently meant more to the Southampton site that produced the report – than it did to me.
I’d happily settle for a competent JWP successor from Mars, to be honest, if he was faster, more aggressive and more creative with forward passing.
[Saints Marching](https://saintsmarching.com/james-ward-prowse-west-ham-successor-can-be-southampton-star) have suggested that:
_“West Ham reopen the Mateus Fernandes transfer saga as the midfielder emerges as a potential successor to Saints icon James Ward-Prowse…._
_“Honestly, with Mateus touted to fill in Ward-Prowse’s shoes, this update will have Saints fans on cloud nine as they imagine witnessing the new generation succeeding the older one aptly.”_
See what I mean?
I’d be more concerned about Fernandes’ ability to move the ball and himself at pace going forward and actually be able to outrun opponents and maybe – put in a tackle as part of his defensive duties.
Oh and preferably not cost West Ham thirty million pounds. Small points, I know, but more important to West Ham and fans than, I suspect, some kind of imagined Southampton-inspired JWP legacy at West Ham.
Seriously, €15 – 20 million euros for one of Southampton’s ‘standout’ players despite their relegation. Sure to be on the Hammers radar as he’s 21, rising in standing and a Portuguese u21 international midfielder. Could be another one to watch.