West Ham United loaned James Ward-Prowse out to Nottingham Forest on transfer deadline day.
James Ward-Prowse could have left West Ham to join Everton on deadline day, but he picked a move to Nottingham Forest in the end.
West Ham signed James Ward-Prowse from Southampton in the summer of 2023 for around £30 million, and he bagged 18 goals and assists combined last season.
Paul Merson shared his shock that the Hammers actually allowed Ward-Prowse to join Forest on deadline day.
Most West Ham fans understand that the 11-capped England international quite simply didn’t fit into the new system under Julen Lopetegui.
Especially after the arrival of Carlos Soler just before the transfer window slammed shut.
However, many fans were bemused by the fact that we didn’t sell him, or at least include an obligation to buy clause in the deal.
Now there has seemingly been a big twist though…
James Ward-Prowse twist as West Ham reporter makes new claim
Most Hammers fans were delighted with Lopetegui’s business in the summer.
The Spaniard brought in nine top quality new signings, and he moved on much of the deadwood.
However, there were a few dissenting voices about the ‘straight loan’ deal that took Ward-Prowse to the City Ground.
It appears as though that wasn’t actually the case though.
According to Hammers insider Sean Whetstone, West Ham actually picked up a £5 million loan fee for JWP.
If true, that’s outstanding business for the Hammers. That fee will certainly cover the midfielder’s wages for the remainder of the season at least.
It seems as though we picked up some decent loan fees for the other players who departed as well.
Hopefully next summer we will have more success in selling the players who are surplus to requirements at the London Stadium.
James Ward-Prowse leaves West Ham with head held high
It was sad to see James Ward-Prowse leave West Ham yesterday in a way, but it was a decision that had to be made in my opinion.
Moving forward, a midfield three of Edson Alvarez, Guido Rodriguez and Carlos Soler is streets ahead of what we had last season.
The 29-year-old former Southampton man was decent for us, but his painful lack of mobility really held us back at times.
I’m sure Ward-Prowse will be a success at Nottingham Forest, and he’ll undoubtedly leave us on a permanent deal next summer.
His exit on deadline day was the ideal outcome for all parties involved as far as I’m concerned.
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