West Ham have signed midfielder, James Ward-Prowse from Southampton for £30m.
Ward-Prowse had been widely tipped to leave Southampton this summer following the Saints’ relegation at end of last season, but featured in their opening win of the new Championship season at Sheffield Wednesday during which he provided the assist for Che Adams’ winner.
West Ham’s latest £30m offer has since been accepted by Southampton following discussions, after previous bids were rejected in recent weeks with Ward-Prowse subsequently signing a four-year contract until June 2027 and will wear the number 7 shirt.
“I’m buzzing to be here at West Ham United. It’s great to be here and I’m looking forward to getting going,” commented Ward-Prowse in an interview with www.whufc.com following confirmation of his move.
Ward-Prowse proceeded to talk about his perspective of watching the Hammers’ progress as a rival player, as he continued:
“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, 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.”
Ward-Prowse also spoke of how his style of play is similar to the Hammers’ ethics as he added: “When I think about my game, it is based on hard work, graft, and giving 100 per cent. West Ham United has always been a Club that has epitomises that.
“You can feel that from the fans and you can see it in the players who are here and the lads that have come through the Academy too.
“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.”
Manager, David Moyes is “delighted” to sign Ward-Prowse who he believes has the ability to continue “constantly producing good numbers season after season.”
Moyes also iterated that Ward-Prowse’s leadership skills will benefit the club following Declan Rice’s departure to Arsenal, as he added: “His leadership qualities are obviously another huge plus for us – he’ll be a big voice for us, someone who drives the team on from the middle of the pitch.”
Ward-Prowse will be eligble to make his debut against Chelsea on Sunday 20 August at the London Stadium in a 4:30pm BST kick-off, live on Sky Sports in the UK.
The 28 year-old has left Southampton after scoring 55 goals in 410 senior appearances, having spent his entire career at the Saints after he joined their academy in 2003 from East Lodge and graduated to their first-team squad in October 2011.
Ward-Prowse represents England in international football and came through their youth levels, eventually making his senior debut in March 2017 in a 1-0 loss away to Germany and has since scored two goals in 11 appearances.
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