James Ward-Prowse continues to sit on the sidelines at West Ham, with nothing yet advanced on his future during the January transfer window.
As was the case during his loan spell at Nottingham Forest, the West Ham United midfielder does not appear to have much of a place in Nuno Espirito Santo’s plans.
Quite why that is remains unclear. Though Ward-Prowse has not proven to be a revelation since joining the club from Southampton, it does seem strange not to involve him at all – particularly in a Premier League season in which set-pieces are en vogue.
In the age of set-pieces, why aren’t West Ham making more of James Ward-Prowse?! 👀
He was getting David Beckham comparisons at one point!
Still, Ward-Prowse is free to leave West Ham in January, which has been confirmed by Nuno during his last two pre-match press conferences.
Now, more insight has emerged.
James Ward-Prowse remaining professional despite West Ham exile
According to The Athletic, sources close to the situation claim that the 31-year-old sometimes has to train by himself at the club’s Rush Green complex.
The midfielder is part of the fringe players who train away from the first-team squad.
How many more signings do we need to make for you to feel confident about staying up?! 🤔
Still an awful lot of work to do…
Upon Nuno’s appointment back in September, the manager quickly told Ward-Prowse that he would not feature in his plans.
Despite that, sources add that Ward-Prowse has not sulked around the training ground and in fact remains professional. Neither has he been banished to the U21s side.
Why James Ward-Prowse’s West Ham reaction is interesting
That would certainly suggest that all hope is not lost for Ward-Prowse in east London. He does not appear to have downed tools.
Indeed, it would not be a huge surprise if he in fact outlasted the manager, given there have been doubts about Nuno’s future at West Ham.
Clearly, fans may rightly point out that Ward-Prowse has hardly been the answer when he has played regularly.
To pretend otherwise would be wrong but he has previously shown enough at Southampton that another manager, whoever that might be, could feasibly bring him back into the fold.
The door under Nuno looks shut. That doesn’t mean that will always be the case for Ward-Prowse at West Ham.
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