West Ham United have confirmed the signing of James Ward-Prowse from Southampton.
The 28-year-old arrives at the London Stadium for an undisclosed fee - thought to be around £30m - and has penned a four-year contract to keep him at the club until 2027.
The move sees Ward-Prowse end his 20-year association with Southampton, having joined the club at the age of eight and progressed through the ranks to become captain of the senior team.
The midfielder made 410 appearances for the club across his 12 years in the senior team and missed just two Premier League games over the course of the last four seasons before the Saints suffered relegation to the Championship last term.
Ward-Prowse, who will wear the number seven shirt for West Ham, featured in Southampton's season opener against Sheffield Wednesday earlier this month and is available to make his Hammers debut in the London derby against Chelsea this Sunday.
Introducing our new 7-Iron ⚒️ pic.twitter.com/ZIfCuifU0v
— West Ham United (@WestHam) August 14, 2023
"I'm buzzing to be here at West Ham United. It's great to be here and I'm looking forward to getting going," the England international told the club's website.
"From the outside looking in, this is a club that has been on the rise for a number of years now and coming off the success in the UEFA Europa Conference League last year, you can feel there is real momentum around this club. It's great to be a part of it and I can't wait to play my role in the games to come.
"When I think about my game, it is based on hard work, graft, and giving 100%. West Ham United has always been a club that has epitomises that. You can feel that from the fans and you can see it in the players who are here and the lads that have come through the Academy too.
"I feel as though I will fit straight in and I can promise I will give my all for this football club in my time here."
Manager David Moyes added: "I'm delighted to bring a player of James' quality and experience to West Ham United.
© Reuters
"He's performed to a very high level in the Premier League over the last decade, constantly producing good numbers season after season.
"His leadership qualities are obviously another huge plus for us – he'll be a big voice for us, someone who drives the team on from the middle of the pitch.
"We're excited to get him up and running, for what will be another busy season on both the domestic and European front."
Ward-Prowse becomes West Ham's second signing of the summer after fellow midfielder Edson Alvarez, who arrived at the club last week.
The Hammers, who opened their new season with a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth on Saturday, are also understood to be in advanced talks with Harry Maguire over a move from Manchester United.
Barney Corkhill
