Ward-Prowse claims Hammers are 'on the rise' after completing switch

James Ward-Prowse described West Ham as a club on the rise after completing his switch from Southampton.

The England international is the Hammers' second midfield acquisition of the summer after the capture of 24-year-old Edson Alvarez from Ajax.

He has signed a four-year contract and will wear the No7 shirt at his new home in East London.

He said: "I'm buzzing to be here at West Ham. It's great to be here and I’m looking forward to getting going.

"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 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."

David Moyes' side were in desperate need of reinforcements in the middle of the park after Declan Rice's £105million move to Arsenal last month.

Ward-Prowse arrives at the London Stadium with plenty of Premier League experience, having played 343 games in the English top flight with boyhood club Southampton.

Seventeen of the 28-year-old's 49 goals in the division have been from free-kicks, which is just one fewer than current record-holder David Beckham.

Ward-Prowse netted nine times in the Premier League last season but could not prevent the Saints dropping down to the Championship.

On how he would describe his game, he said: "When I think about my game, it is based on hard work, graft, and giving 100%. 

"West Ham has always been a club that 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."

The Englishman has managed to secure a return to the top flight for the 2023-24 campaign to give himself a chance of featuring in Gareth Southgate's England squad for Euro 2024.

And Hammers boss David Moyes has not hesitated in welcoming his new addition to the Conference League champions.

He said: "I'm delighted to bring a player of James' quality and experience to West Ham.

"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."