Southampton enter talks to strike reunion with former captain James Ward-Prowse

Southampton are looking for a midfielder after losing Shea Charles to Fulham this summer.

Despite the Northern Irishman leaving the club weeks ago, it appears that finding a replacement has not been straightforward for technical director Johannes Spors and his recruitment team.

Links for potential signings have been few and far between, but the first concrete report has arrived.

James Ward-Prowse could be set for a Southampton return, with several outlets revealing that the Saints are in talks with West Ham United to sign their former skipper.

A return meant to be

It never felt like the story was truly over between Southampton and James Ward-Prowse when the England international left the club in 2023.

Following a disappointing relegation under the likes of Nathan Jones and Ruben Selles, the midfielder was snapped up by David Moyes for the Europa Conference League-winning team.

Ever since, Ward-Prowse has struggled to make any serious strides in his career. Despite a first season with 51 appearances, 7 goals and 11 assists in claret and blue, the former Saints captain wasn’t favoured by Julien Lopetegui, Graham Potter or Nuno Espírito Santo.

Loans at Nottingham Forest and Burnley weren’t enough to reignite his career, but perhaps a move to his beloved St Mary’s could be what does that.

If Southampton can strike an agreement on a fee with West Ham, a move could take place in the final days of the transfer window. Ward-Prowse is reportedly keen.

A good signing or another Romeu?

Oriol Romeu returned to Southampton during the 2025/26 season, but unfortunately the Spaniard could never reach the heights he did a decade before in a red and white shirt.

Romeu was 34 years of age when he signed up for a second stint at Saints. Ward-Prowse is three years younger, and despite claims, is not a footballer whose “legs have gone”.

The 31-year-old will offer Tonda Eckert’s side a great rotation option, an experienced head, great passing attributes, and a brilliant set-piece deliverer. It’s a no-brainer of a signing.

There might be controversy over the transfer at first among Saints fans, but Ward-Prowse has all the tools the club could want. The only question is whether the midfield needs a more athletic body and to replace Shea Charles like-for-like.

With under a week left in the window, there’s plenty to do for Southampton and Johannes Spors - a James Ward-Prowse reunion could be set to take place.