James Ward-Prowse Transfer News & Odds

Everyone involved with Southampton FC will be preparing for life in the Championship next campaign, following their recent relegation from the topflight. The Saints enjoyed an eleven-year stay in the EPL and nobody epitomises the club more than the captain himself, James Ward-Prowse. The midfielder has been at the Saints since the age of eight, yet the two-decade spell at his boyhood club looks set to come to an end this summer given the number of Premier League clubs who wish to acquire his services.

James Ward-Prowse Player Profile

When James Ward-Prowse (JWP) is a topic of conversation, his set-piece expertise is almost always mentioned. Whether it be from corners or free kicks, JWP has mastered the art of dead ball delivery and he now ranks second for the most free kick goals in Premier league history, scoring seventeen overall. The twenty-eight-year-old’s technique allows him to whip the ball with pace and power, with only a slight touch needed for the ball to hit the back of the net, which ultimately causes panic within the opposition’s box.

Due to Southampton’s lack of managerial consistency and tactical approach last season, Ward-Prowse has been utilised in a number of roles and systems. He has featured as a right sided central midfielder in a 4-4-2, part of a midfield trio in a 3/5 back system and as an advanced midfielder ahead of a double pivot in a 4231 variant.

There is no doubt that JWP is a tidy player who provides ball retention, but he doesn’t excel in ball progression which is key for all top sides. Furthermore, his defensive output is average for a Premier League midfielder, but he does rank highly for shot creating actions which often come from those set pieces. Southampton’s captain started every game this season which highlights his consistency and reliability, he also scored nine goals and registered four assists.

Europa Conference League champions West Ham are by far the favorites to sign JWP given the inevitable departure of their best player and captain Declan Rice this summer. David Moyes will already be looking at replacements and the Southampton captain is most definitely on the Scotsman’s list.

The 5/4 odds are reflected by the obvious hole left by Rice which makes West Ham the obvious favorites to sign the Saints man. Additionally, the Hammers securing European football next campaign gives them a stronger position in the transfer market not just from a monetary perspective, but also competitive. On the field, they have the potential to cause havoc aerially from set pieces which will improve their rather poor showing in front of goal last season.

Eddie Howe is also desperate to improve Newcastle’s midfield, with emphasis on signing a player that compliments Bruno Guimaraes whilst having the ability to play on the right of a midfield three. Yet, it is now known that the Newcastle boss prefers Inter Milan’s Nicolo Barella who would be attainable for a similar fee to JWP.

Newcastle are also attempting to sign Maddison which would put Ward-Prowse further down the transfer list. The Magpies also have a dead ball specialist in their squad already, Kieran Trippier, therefore the appeal of JWP’s biggest attribute is lessened. James Ward-Prowse could move to Newcastle, but much like his status with the clubs previously listed, he is not a priority.

Jurgen Klopp’s main aim this transfer window is to rebuild his Liverpool midfield, with last season underlining their lack of depth and quality. The Reds have started their transfer business early, already signing World cup winner and Brighton star, Alexis Mac Allister. Yet it doesn’t look like their quest to improve the midfield is ending any time soon, with French duo Manu Kone and Khephren Thuram both being monitored. Additionally, Naby Keita and James Milner have already left the club, displaying Liverpool’s intent this window.

However, Klopp does already have youthful quality at his disposal, in the form of Curtis Jones, Stefan Bajcetic and Harvey Elliot who can all step up when called upon. Also, with Trent seemingly locking in the inverted role, the need for JWP has decreased. Liverpool will most likely look elsewhere given the price tag.

Ward-Prowse’s connection with Southampton may mean that he would rather stay with the goal of securing promotion, rather than seeking Premier League games with another club. Moreover, it is also reasonable to say that JWP may not be the number one Southampton midfield target for topflight clubs this summer, with Romeo Lavia attracting lots of interest due to being an exciting prospect with an extremely high ceiling.

Furthermore, Southampton are reportedly demanding a fee of around £52 million to allow their captain to leave, which will deter plenty of clubs away. Therefore, if the Saints are unwilling to decrease their asking price, the chances are that nobody meets the set demands. The 10/1 odds are much higher than expected and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Ward-Prowse wearing a Southampton strip in the Championship.

With new boss Ange Postecoglou at the helm following his arrival from Celtic, Spurs will be looking to bolster their squad in the summer with a particular focus on reinforcing their midfield. The Australian manager opted for a 4-3-3 formation whilst at the Scottish club, which differs from the two-man midfield Spurs have deployed recently.

JWP would slot into the right centre mid role within Postecoglou’s system, which would get the best out of his crossing ability in the right half-space, whilst harnessing some of his flaws. The Saints captain would fit in at Tottenham, but it seems that a move for James Maddison takes priority according to reports. Therefore, the 12/1 odds are a fair representation.

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