James Ward-Prowse Transfer Betting Odds

By Matthew Glazier  | 

May 24th, 2023 03:22 PM  |  3 mins

 | 

 Fact Checked by Mark Fordham

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James Ward-Prowse looks unlikely to remain with Southampton, according to the latest odds from football betting sites. The midfielder has been with the Hampshire club since joining the academy at the age of eight, but the club’s recent relegation to the Championship means the England international might call time on his career at St Mary’s.

It’s hard to imagine Ward-Prowse playing in the Championship for the Saints, especially with Euro 2024 just a year away, and he will want to make sure he’s in Gareth Southgate’s final squad for the tournament in Germany. Therefore, a move seems likely, and there are sure to be plenty of interested Premier League clubs when it comes to this talented player.

Newcastle and Tottenham are among the favourites to land the 28-year-old, with the same two clubs also thought to be interested in signing James Maddison from Leicester City. It could also be the case that West Ham and Brighton go in hot pursuit of a player who is an excellent set-piece taker.

Could Magpies Swoop for Free-Kick Specialist?

Newcastle United not only have wealthy owners prepared to spend big this summer, they also have the carrot of Champions League football to convince any potential signings. James Ward-Prowse has never tasted European club competition with Southampton, but a move to St. James’ Park would change things.

It’s easy to see why Newcastle might want to continue their trend of signing talented English players, with Eddie Howe sure to have monitored Ward-Prowse throughout his managerial career. Perhaps the manager can convince the player that his future lies at Tyneside, although it would be a big move geographically.

There’s also the possibility that JWP wouldn’t necessarily be a first-team regular, and he will have seen how Anthony Gordon struggled to get game time during his first season with Newcastle. It will be interesting to see whether the Magpies want to sign both Maddison and Ward-Prowse this summer.

Tottenham Likely to Be in Market for Ward-Prowse

Although Tottenham Hotspur are part of the original big six clubs in the Premier League, it’s hard to see them as anything other than a solid option for James Ward-Prowse as he considers his various options. He will be aware that Spurs are unlikely to be playing European football next term and also the fact that Harry Kane could be leaving.

Therefore, Spurs were a more attractive proposition 12 months ago. They could still go in hot pursuit of a player who has made 342 appearances for Southampton since 2011 and scored 48 goals in the process.

There is no better free-kick taker than Ward-Prowse, which is clearly a big advantage to any club signing the player. However, there’s more to his game than just set pieces, with the midfielder having represented England on 11 occasions, scoring twice.

Could JWP Replace Declan Rice at West Ham This Summer?

Declan Rice is likely to leave West Ham United in the summer, and perhaps West Ham have identified James Ward-Prowse as a player who can replace the outgoing captain. The latter can certainly operate in that defensive midfield position, while he would also have that threat from set pieces to boost the Hammers’ chances of a top-half finish.

If West Ham are successful in the Europa Conference League final, they will also be lining up in the Europa League next season, which would be attractive to a player who has never experienced European club football.

The Hammers could also offer Ward-Prowse the chance to enjoy a lot of first-team football, and he’s likely to be given more assurances on this front than he might find with a club such as Newcastle or Tottenham.

Could Ward-Prowse Stay on South Coast With Brighton?

While Southampton exit the Premier League this summer, Brighton & Hove Albion are very much part of the top-flight furniture. The Seagulls will be playing in the Europa League next term after a highly successful season, with manager Roberto De Zerbi looking for new recruits who can help the team enjoy an upward trajectory.

De Zerbi might have identified James Ward-Prowse as a player who can help Brighton domestically and in Europe, with the midfielder having regularly shone for Southampton. The Italian might feel as though the England man can slot into the team at the Amex.

From a geographical point-of-view, it wouldn’t involve a huge amount of upheaval to move from Southampton to Brighton, with Ward-Prowse having spent his career at the Saints so perhaps the chance to remain on the south coast could be appealing for the player.

Aston Villa and Brentford Next on the List

It’s highly likely that James Ward-Prowse will remain in England this summer, and perhaps a move to Birmingham is on the cards. Aston Villa enjoyed an upsurge after Unai Emery took charge, and he would be an interesting midfield recruit to operate in tandem with Jacob Ramsey.

Brentford might also be willing to throw their hat into the ring and recruit a player who has shone in the Premier League for over a decade, with the Bees now showing more ambition than ever before after recording a top-half finish.