Whilst the attention focuses on the Adama Traore ‘buy or swerve’ debate ahead of the winter window, there are less headline-worthy but equally significant moves happening, we hear, behind the scenes to reshape West Ham’s squad in January.
Indeed as soon as Nuno Espírito Santo was confirmed as West Ham’s new manager it felt as though James Ward Prowse’s days at London Stadium were numbered. The midfielder benefited from seemingly never-ending patronage from Graham Potter, leaving most Hammers fans mystified as to his continuing selection without any justification whilst Freddie Potts remained an untapped young talent sitting on the sidelines.
It seems that Ward-Prowse’ old benefactor- the manager responsible for bringing him to West Ham in the first place – still harbours admiration for the now 31 year old and plans to throw him a Premier League lifeline in January, according to teamtalk.com, who claim:
Most Read on West Ham News
“West Ham star could be given shock lifeline by Everton after Nuno cuts him from squad – Sources”
Which would be all fine and dandy with just about every West Ham fan: Along with Nuno who cut him from the squad, supporters have been continually nonplussed at the ‘set-piece specialist’s’ inability to add to his goal tally and his creativity free, endless side-side-backwards passing. According to teamtalk’s report:
“TEAMtalk transfer insider Dean Jones has revealed to us that Everton are mulling over a move for Ward-Prowse, teeing up a potential reunion with David Moyes.
James Ward Prowse
Ward Prowse was a constant selection under Potter – but could be heading back to a reunion with David Moyes
“Everton are going to look to look at the possibility of signing James Ward-Prowse, and he is one of the players that looks almost certain to move clubs in January”
If West Ham can recoup even half of the £30 million Moyes green lighted in the summer of 2023 that’d be considered good business: Another entry in the ‘loss’ column for the PSR balance, but at least it’ll be over £400,000 a month off the payroll.
£5 million a year? Unbelievable, Jeff.