Southampton could explore the possibility of re-signing James Ward-Prowse this summer just a year after selling him to West Ham United for £30 million.
James Ward-Prowse’s sale to West Ham was one of the biggest consequences of Southampton being relegated from the Premier League in 2023.
The Saints captain at the time, Ward-Prowse felt he was left with little choice but to leave St Mary’s in order to increase his chances of becoming a regular in the England set-up.
After a strong start to life in East London, Ward-Prowse’s performances dipped in the second half of last season and an England recall never materialised.
David Moyes has been replaced by Julen Lopetegui at the Hammers for the new season and, with a number of midfield signings this summer, Ward-Prowse is now free to leave if the club receive a suitable offer.
Southampton are likely to be unable to afford to re-sign the 29-year-old but could there is a possibility West Ham would sanction a loan exit as Transfer Deadline Day draws closer.
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With that in mind, here are three reasons re-signing Ward-Prowse could keep Southampton in the Premier League this season.
James Ward-Prowse set-pieces could be valuable asset for Southampton
Ward-Prowse is renowned for his set-piece ability, with his quality from dead-ball situations leading to the misconception from some that he does not offer much in open play.
The centre-midfielder was just one direct free-kick goal off David Beckham’s record of 18 in the Premier League when he left Southampton last season but has surprisingly failed to add to his tally over the past year.
With set-pieces likely to be a useful tool for Southampton as they look to make every opportunity count in the top flight, Ward-Prowse’s deliveries could be a real difference-maker for Russell Martin‘s side who currently lack a specialist.
There was a time in his last two seasons at St Mary’s that it felt like any free-kick within shooting distance would result in a goal and Southampton could benefit from that weapon in their armoury once more.
Ward-Prowse a perfect midfielder for Russell Martin style
Ward-Prowse did not seal his move to West Ham until after the Championship season started last summer.
This could be crucial as it means the Southampton academy graduate spent the entirety of Martin’s first pre-season at the club learning his style and what is expected from the midfielders in his system.
Ward-Prowse’s boundless energy led to Ralph Hasenhuttl labelling him a “machine” in the past, saying: “Prowsey is a machine, always covering the most distance and never tired.
“He also has a fantastic mind and was also a fantastic captain today. You can always count on him, he’s a very important player for us.”
That intensity out of possession combined with his composure and passing ability with the ball would make him perfect as one of the two number eights in Martin’s XI.
Ward-Prowse showed at times during his last season at the Saints that he can chip in with goals and assists when allowed to play further forward too, scoring 11 and assisting five in all competitions in 2022/23.
Ward-Prowse would add leadership and experience to Southampton midfield
Ward-Prowse made 410 appearances for Southampton after making his debut in 2011 and captained the club from summer 2020 until his departure last summer.
The midfielder is the ultimate professional and became the first midfielder ever to play every minute of every game in the Premier League for two consecutive seasons in 2021.
It was during this time that he also went on a run of 117 consecutive starts in all competitions, testament to both his fitness and character.
Martin has increased the number of leaders at the club since taking over as manager but his midfield currently lacks Premier League experience.
The usual starting trio of Flynn Downes, Will Smallbone and Joe Aribo have a combined total of 61 Premier League appearances between them, whilst the other options include 20-year-old duo Mateus Fernandes and Lesley Ogochukwu and 21-year-old Carlos Alcaraz.
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Adam Lallana has arrived for free this summer, but the 36-year-old missed the entirety of pre-season through injury and his impact on the pitch could be limited.
Therefore, Ward-Prowse’s experience of 381 Premier League games could be really useful for Martin to lean on, not to mention the fact he has scored 56 goals and provided 45 assists in the competition.