West Ham’s first January transfer ‘confirmed’

James Ward-Prowse will reportedly leave West Ham United in January after falling down the pecking order since the appointment of Nuno Espirito Santo.

The 31-year-old started the first five Premier League games of the season under previous boss Graham Potter, however the midfielder hasn’t been included in a single matchday squad since his sacking in late September.

Ward-Prowse wasn’t fancied by Nuno during his loan spell at Nottingham Forest last term and he has fallen completely out of the first-team picture since the 51-year-old moved to West Ham.

Freddie Potts, Mateus Fernandes and Lucas Paqueta have started as a midfield trio in West Ham’s past two Premier League fixtures, both of which ended in wins, and Ward-Prowse is now set to leave the London Stadium during the upcoming winter transfer window.

This has been confirmed by a West Ham source who told Hammers News: “One thing is for certain the player will be leaving in January.”

James Ward-Prowse to leave West Ham

Ward-Prowse’s former club Southampton are among the leading contenders for his signature, as they look to recover from a poor start to the 2025-26 Championship season, while Everton boss David Moyes is also eager to be reunited with the ex-England international.

The Toffees are in talks over a transfer for Ward-Prowse, although it’s understood they are keen to sign him on an initial loan deal. West Ham, on the other hand, either want a permanent sale or a loan deal with an obligation to buy next summer.

Ward-Prowse racked up over 400 appearances for Southampton before his move to West Ham in 2023 and his former club are set to compete with Everton for his signature in January.

Meanwhile, fellow West Ham star Niclas Fullkrug is also expected to leave the Hammers during the winter transfer window following an underwhelming stint in the Premier League.

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