James Ward-Prowse has completed his £30m transfer to West Ham from Southampton. The move ends the midfielder’s 20-year stay at Southampton, whom he joined at the age of eight.
The England international is West Ham’s second summer signing, after another midfielder, Edson Álvarez, joined from Ajax from £32m, and they expect to complete a £30m deal for the Manchester United defender Harry Maguire after agreeing a fee and personal terms. Maguire has been tying up some financial matters with United.
West Ham have accepted they are likely to lose Lucas Paquetá to Manchester City and are trying to soften the blow by signing Cole Palmer from the champions.
“I’m buzzing to be here at West Ham United,” Ward-Prowse told West Ham’s website after signing a four-year contract. “It’s great to be here and I’m looking forward to getting going … When I think about my game, it is based on hard work, graft, and giving 100%. West Ham United has always been a club that has epitomises that.”
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David Moyes picked out Ward-Prowse’s “leadership qualities” as being important alongside the player’s quality and experience. Southampton described Ward-Prowse, who made 410 appearances for the club, as a “Saints legend” in a statement announcing the transfer.