Ward-Prowse
(Credit:Imago)
Henry Green
Sat 9 August 2025 18:10, UK
James Ward-Prowse has had a turbulent time at West Ham since making the switch from Southampton in 2023.
The 30-year-old was signed for his passing prowess and his set-piece ability, but he has yet to show his capabilities in East London.
Ward-Prowse has been back among the starting lineup during preseason after returning from his loan spell with Nottingham Forest.
With the season approaching, questions remain over whether he will feature for the Hammers this season, but Graham Potter‘s plans seem to indicate otherwise.
Graham Potter sitting
Potter hasn’t enjoyed the most productive transfer window at West Ham (Credit: Imago)
Ward-Prowse could leave as Potter plans to sign a midfielder
Potter’s plans have yet to come to fruition this summer, following the sale of Mohammed Kudus for £55million.
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The Irons have signed just four new faces this summer, with Mads Hermansen’s arrival announced on Friday (9 August).
West Ham have had to be careful with their spending as they look to stay within strict Profit and Sustainability rules.
Player Weekly wage
Lucas Paqueta £150,000
Jarred Bowen £150,000
Alphonse Areola £120,000
James Ward-Prowse £115,000
Max Kilman £100,000
West Ham’s five highest-paid players (Capology)
The Hammers have been linked with former Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz, though talks over a move have dragged on.
With Potter clearly keen on a new midfielder, Ward-Prowse could be moved on to facilitate the signing.
The former England international is in the top five earners at West Ham, earning £115,000 a week with the Irons.
Should Potter choose to sell Ward-Prowse this summer, the Hammers could bank a possible £20million and recoup most of the £30m they paid for his signature.
West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan
Sullivan has owned West Ham since 2010 (Credit: Imago)
West Ham must recover from last summer’s disaster
The Hammers had a disastrous summer transfer window last season, with the likes of Niclas Fullkrug proving a waste of money.
Sullivan must make sure to get rid of some of the deadwood that has been signed over the last few transfer windows, and selling Ward-Prowse would be a good start.
Sullivan must start putting his hands into his pockets and invest in Potter and his style of player, otherwise the Irons could be playing catch-up towards the end of the season.
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