James Ward-Prowse Returns to Southampton in Symbolic Transfer

Southampton has officially announced the return of James Ward-Prowse, the former England international midfielder, who rejoined the club from West Ham United for a symbolic fee. Ward-Prowse, 31, originally developed at Southampton and played for their senior team for 12 years, serving as captain before transferring to West Ham in 2023 for £30 million after Sutton's relegation to the Championship. Over the past two seasons, he struggled to make an impact at West Ham and was loaned out twice, to Nottingham Forest and Burnley.

Ward-Prowse is expected to wear the number 30 shirt, the same number he wore during his debut for Southampton in 2011. He will join forces with Israeli midfielder Daniel Peretz, who recently signed with Southampton from Maccabi Tel Aviv. Throughout his career at Southampton, Ward-Prowse made 410 appearances across all competitions, scoring 55 goals and providing 52 assists. At West Ham, he played 75 matches, contributing 8 goals and 12 assists. His return aims to help improve Southampton's disappointing start to the current season.