Tottenham might be ready to capitalize on West Ham United’s stalled pursuit of James Ward-Prowse by launching their own bid for the Southampton midfielder.
Reports indicate that Spurs are more likely to meet Southampton’s £40 million valuation than West Ham, who recently submitted a £25 million bid. With Ward-Prowse being under Tottenham’s watch for months, the Lilywhites are looking to replicate their past success in signing players from Southampton.
James Ward-Prowse has been a consistent figure for Southampton since joining their first team in 2011. Having risen through the club’s academy, he has featured in 410 matches for the senior squad.
Despite the club’s fluctuating fortunes over the past decade, the 28-year-old midfielder has been a reliable and outstanding presence in the team.
Even during their relegation season, Ward-Prowse managed to score 11 goals and provide five assists across all competitions. His performances have drawn praise from managers and observers alike.
Ward-Prowse is known for his ability to control play from deep midfield or take on an attacking midfielder role. His technical skillset and versatility could make him an ideal fit for Ange Postecoglou’s tactical system, which often employs two hardworking and attack-minded central midfielders.
With impressive stats such as 55 goals, 54 assists, an 85% pass accuracy, two key passes, and 1.7 tackles per game in the Premier League (via Sofascore), Ward-Prowse appears well-suited to enhance Tottenham’s midfield.
Tottenham’s possible move for Ward-Prowse recalls their successful signing of Pierre-Emile Højbjerg from Southampton in 2020. Højbjerg, acquired for just £15 million, proved to be a valuable asset for Spurs, amassing 145 appearances for the club. His consistent performances led to interest from Atletico Madrid, possibly resulting in a profit for Tottenham.
The acquisition of Ward-Prowse could mark another astute move, as he possesses a similar level of quality and dynamism that can help usher in a new era for the club under the guidance of new management.
