James Ward-Prowse may be set for a January return to West Ham with his loan at Nottingham Forest facing termination, according to West Ham Football.
The report (31 December) claims that the midfielder could be recalled to the London Stadium from a season-long loan at the City Ground.
Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui is under severe pressure and needs to add fresh impetus to his side’s engine room if he is to save his job.
The 30-year-old could provide valuable experience and his set-piece deliveries could be very profitable if he returns.
Ward-Prowse return could save West Ham season
The former Southampton man was signed in August 2023 and contributed with seven goals and seven assists in his first season in East London.
Despite that relatively impressive return, supporters and seemingly Lopetegui were not convinced of his abilities and he was sent on loan for this season after Edson Alvarez and Carlos Soler joined the club.
He has failed to get regular game time at Forest as they have climbed to second in the Premier League table, featuring just eight times in the Premier League and registering zero goal contributions.
Lopetegui needs some kind of advantage to salvage his spell in the dugout and Ward-Prowse’s set-piece expertise could be exactly what he requires.
If that is deemed to not be the answer then the Hammers need to make a significant addition in the transfer market as their engine room is currently lacking.
James Ward-Prowse’s Nottingham Forest Loan on Brink of Termination, West Ham Return Looms
James Ward-Prowse’s impressive performances on loan at Nottingham Forest have sparked speculation about his potential return to West Ham United. Reports suggest the Hammers are considering terminating the loan agreement.
Ward-Prowse’s exceptional displays for Forest have caught the attention of West Ham manager David Moyes. With the Hammers struggling with midfield injuries and lack of depth, Moyes sees Ward-Prowse as a vital addition.
The loan agreement, signed in July, includes a termination clause effective during the January transfer window. West Ham’s decision hinges on Ward-Prowse’s desire to return and contribute to the Premier League push.
Nottingham Forest faces losing a key player mid-season, making replacement difficult. Ward-Prowse’s creativity and work rate will be hard to replicate.
West Ham’s potential recall raises questions:
Will Ward-Prowse start for West Ham?
How will he fit into Moyes’ tactics?
What are the long-term implications for his career?
The transfer window may bring surprises:
Other clubs may show interest.
West Ham seeks midfield reinforcements.
Nottingham Forest searches for loan replacements.
Only time will tell if James Ward-Prowse returns to West Ham.
