On transfer deadline day, West Ham United made the decision to loan out James Ward-Prowse to Nottingham Forest, despite interest from Everton.
Signed in the summer of 2023 for a hefty sum, Ward-Prowse proved his worth on the field with 18 goals and assists combined last season. However, with a new system under Julen Lopetegui, it became clear that the England international didn’t quite fit in.
The surprising move left many fans scratching their heads, especially with the arrival of Carlos Soler shortly before the window closed. However, a twist in the story emerged when it was revealed that West Ham actually received a £5 million loan fee for Ward-Prowse, making it a savvy business move for the Hammers.
Despite some sadness at Ward-Prowse’s departure, it seems to have been the best decision for all parties involved. With a revamped midfield trio now in place, West Ham can look ahead to future sales of surplus players with optimism. Ward-Prowse leaves with his head held high, set to make a lasting impact at Nottingham Forest before a potential permanent move next summer.
