West Ham United announced the signing of Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse on a four-year contract on Monday.
West Ham completed a £30 million ($38.08 million) deal with Southampton last week, the same day they agreed a similar sum with Manchester United for defender Harry Maguire, as the east London club continues to rebuild in their team following the £105 million departure of Declan Rice.
Ward-Prowse captained Southampton last season when they were demoted from the Premier League after finishing bottom of the table.
“I’m buzzing to be here,” Ward-Prowse remarked. “It’s great to be here, and I’m excited to get started.”
Ward-Prowse, who has 11 England caps, spent 20 years at Southampton. He entered the South Coast Club’s academy at the age of eight and made his senior debut in 2011 at the age of sixteen.
He has scored 17 Premier League goals straight from free kicks, one fewer than his childhood hero, retired Manchester United midfielder David Beckham, who holds the record.
“This is a club that has been on the rise for a number of years now,” Ward-Prowse explained. “After winning the Europa Conference League last year, you can sense a real buzz around this club.”
“It’s fantastic to be a part of it, and I can’t wait to play my part in the upcoming games.”
Ward-Prowse is West Ham’s second signing of the summer, following the arrival of Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez.
