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West Ham United have announced the signing of England international James Ward-Prowse.
The 28-year-old has joined the Hammers from Southampton FC for an undisclosed fee on a contract until June 2027.
Ward-Prowse, who will wear the No7 shirt, is renowned for his outstanding delivery from set pieces and open play, his passing, shooting, character and leadership qualities.
With 343 Premier League appearances for the Saints and a full pre-season under his belt, he arrives fit and ready to play and could make his debut in Sunday’s Premier League fixture with Chelsea at London Stadium.
“I’m buzzing to be here at West Ham United. It’s great to be here and I’m looking forward to getting going,” said Ward-Prowse, who is West Ham’s second summer signing following Mexico midfielder Edson Álvarez.
“From the outside looking in, this is a Club that has been on the rise for a number of years now and coming off the success in the UEFA Europa Conference League last year, you can feel there is real momentum around this Club. It’s great to be a part of it and I can’t wait to play my role in the games to come.”
“When I think about my game, it is based on hard work, graft, and giving 100 per cent. West Ham United has always been a Club that has epitomises that. You can feel that from the fans and you can see it in the players who are here and the lads that have come through the Academy too.”
“I feel as though I will fit straight in and I can promise I will give my all for this football club in my time here.”
Manager David Moyes welcomed the eleven-cap England international and is looking forward to introducing an experienced player with proven Premier League pedigree to his squad.
“I’m delighted to bring a player of James’ quality and experience to West Ham United,” he said.
“He’s performed to a very high level in the Premier League over the last decade, constantly producing good numbers season after season.”
“His leadership qualities are obviously another huge plus for us – he’ll be a big voice for us, someone who drives the team on from the middle of the pitch.”
“We’re excited to get him up and running, for what will be another busy season on both the domestic and European front.”
Born in Portsmouth in Hampshire in November 1994, Ward-Prowse joined Southampton FC at the age of eight and made his first-team debut for the Saints at just 16 years and eleven months. At 17, he scored his first senior goal, won promotion, signed his first professional contract and made his Premier League bow.
Over the last decade, Ward-Prowse has been one of the first names on the Southampton FC teamsheet under no fewer than eight different managers, who have relied on his consistency and ability to create and score goals.
In 410 appearances in all competitions, the midfielder netted 55 times and provided 54 assists, earning a reputation as arguably the best set-piece taker in the Premier League, with his ability to deliver balls with pace and accuracy causing problems for even the strongest of opposition defences.
He started for Southampton in the 2017 EFL Cup final against Manchester United and was named Southampton’s Player of the Year in each of the previous two seasons. Ward-Prowse’s abilities have seen him earn at least one England cap in each of the last 14 years, from Under-17s up to the senior team, for whom he made his debut against Germany under Gareth Southgate in 2017. He has scored twice for his country, both in 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying, and England have won nine of the eleven matches he has featured in.
