Southampton close to sealing Ward-Prowse return

James Ward-Prowse made 410 appearances for Southampton before leaving to join West Ham in 2023 [Shutterstock] Southampton are close to completing a deal to re-sign their former captain James Ward-Prowse from West Ham United. The 31-year-old left St Mary's in 2023 having made 410 appearances for the club, scoring 55 goals. Since moving to east London he has played 75 times for the Hammers and spent time on loan at Nottingham Forest and Burnley. Last season Ward-Prowse picked up one assist in 14 Premier League games for Burnley as they were relegated to the Championship. This season so far he has made two substitute appearances, playing 45 minutes in West Ham's league opener and 15 minutes against Portsmouth in the EFL Cup. On Tuesday, Ward-Prowse did not make the squad for West Ham's second round EFL Cup match against Southampton. He initially joined Southampton aged eight before going on to spend 20 years at St Mary's prior to his move away in the summer of 2023. Southampton closing in on defender Schlotterbeck Latest Southampton news and analysis