James Ward-Prowse’s loan spell at Nottingham Forest could be cut short, with reports suggesting a possible return to West Ham United this month.
The 30-year-old midfielder has struggled for game time at Forest, making just 12 appearances this season and playing just 18 minutes in his last eight Premier League matches.
Ward-Prowse’s move to Nottingham Forest, initially seen as an opportunity to play more regularly, did not go as planned. Despite his reputation as one of the Premier League’s best midfielders, he only started five league matches under Nuno Espírito Santo.
This lack of playing time could prompt new West Ham manager Graham Potter to consider recalling the midfielder to strengthen his squad.
Alex Crook on James Ward-Prowse’s potential return to West Ham
Alex Crook shared his views on the situation, hinting that Ward-Prowse could be the type of player Potter needs to steady the ship at West Ham:
He told the TalkSPORT podcast (quotes via Nottingham Forest News):
“What about James Ward-Prowse, he’s on loan at Nottingham Forest, he played a lot of football for David Moyes, clearly wasn’t liked by Julen Lopetegui, and he only started five games for Forest.
“For me he’s just the type of player, just the type of character you could adopt, so it wouldn’t be a complete shock if they recalled him from Forest.”
Ward-Prowse: A return to West Ham under Graham Potter?
Ward-Prowse joined West Ham last summer from Southampton in a £30million deal and made an immediate impact, scoring seven goals and providing 11 assists in 53 appearances during his first season. However, the arrival of Julen Lopetegui saw him fall out of favor, leading to his loan move to Forest, a move which intrigued many, including Kevin Nolan.
Known for his exceptional set-piece skills and leadership qualities, Ward-Prowse built his reputation during a brilliant 11-year spell at Southampton, where he joined. 55 goals and 52 assists in 410 appearances.
A return to West Ham could provide the perfect platform for Ward-Prowse to rediscover his form and contribute to a new era under Graham Potter. With the Hammers currently sitting mid-table and aiming to climb higher, his set-piece expertise and creative vision could prove invaluable in their quest for stability and success.
