James Ward-Prowse risks becoming a forgotten man.placeholder image
James Ward-Prowse risks becoming a forgotten man. | Getty Images
The West Ham midfielder has been frozen out under Nuno Espirito Santo this season.
West Ham midfielder James Ward-Prowse has been axed from the squad by Nuno Espirito Santo and a January departure from the club looks inevitable for the former Southampton man.
It’s been a tough couple of seasons for the playmaker, who arrived at the London Stadium from Southampton on a £30 million deal in August 2023. Ward-Prowse was loaned to Nottingham Forest last season but struggled for game time under Nuno.
The midfielder was recalled in January and became somewhat of a favourite under Graham Potter. At the start of the 2025/26 campaign, Ward-Prowse was named in the starting XI for the opening five league matches prior to Potter’s sacking.
West Ham star axed from squad by Nuno Espirito Santo
It looked as if the 31-year-old had a prominent part to play but he will have been in disbelief to see Nuno appointed as his boss once again. Sure enough, following the decision taken at Nottingham Forest, Ward-Prowse has not featured in a matchday squad since the change in management.
Speaking in September, having just taken on the job, Nuno said: “It’s a tough decision but I make decisions looking to the best options for the game. James is not involved, we had a chat, I think he understands it.”
Ward-Prowse must be a priority sale for West Ham come January but can take inspiration from the sale of a previous Hammers star that better times are around the corner. Back in 2004, goalkeeper David James was sold to Manchester City and admitted that he had a frosty relationship with former West Ham manager Alan Pardew at the time.
Ward-Prowse can take inspiration from former Hammers’ star’s managerial fallout
Speaking exclusively to London World, James said: “Alan Pardew was the manager. I can't say we disliked each other but it wasn't like we were friends, if that makes sense. It was almost like there was a happiness for him to tell me that another club was interested.
“I just thought, no, it isn't working. We weren't top of the league, we weren't flying. It just didn't feel like everything was right between me and maybe the management or the club.
“Man City had asked if I'd be interested in going up there, so I was given that opportunity. With England, sometimes you think about bigger picture stuff. We were going into the Euros, I think it was 2006, something like that. Kevin Keegan wanted me up in Manchester.
“Do you know what's funny as well. I was in a taxi going to Eastlands, as it was called then. I said to the taxi driver, I said, what's a new stadium like? And he goes, oh, it's rubbish. Anyway, fast forward a few months, we're playing Man United in the Manchester derby. We win 4-1. I think it was Wright-Phillips, John Macken, the place was rocking, absolutely rocking. If the performances are good, the stadium's fantastic.”
James went on to spend three seasons at Manchester City and that return to form sparked future time at Portsmouth, Bristol City and AFC Bournemouth, which may give Ward-Prowse hope of better times.
In other news, West Ham eye £17m swoop for Arsenal star's brother as AC Milan swap deal touted - round-up.
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