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Southampton: What does the future hold for James Ward-Prowse?

By Ryan Borowski

WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 03: James Ward-Prowse of Southampton celebrates scoring their third goal during the Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Southampton at The Hawthorns on February 3, 2018 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images)
WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 03: James Ward-Prowse of Southampton celebrates scoring their third goal during the Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Southampton at The Hawthorns on February 3, 2018 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images) /
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After struggling to find much match time this season, is James Ward-Prowse looking at an exit from his boyhood club in the near future?

James Ward-Prowse found himself coming on late as a substitute in the Brighton match on Monday. In his short time on the pitch he ended up conceding the foul that gave the Gulls the penalty that would ultimately cost the Saints from getting all three points. With JWP struggling to find time on the pitch and not impressing when he is on the pitch, it is time to start asking the question – what is James Ward-Prowse’s future at Southampton?

The 23-year-old joined the Southampton Youth Academy at the age of eight and has been a part of the club ever since. He made his full debut for the senior team at the age of 16 in 2011 and has played regularly for the club since 2012.

The set-piece specialist has always had high expectations from fans and has shown flashes of that reaching that potential at times. But, time is running out for him to show he can be a productive Premier League player for Saints.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 14: James Ward-Prowse of Southampton in action during the Premier League match between Southampton and Chelsea at St Mary’s Stadium on April 14, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 14: James Ward-Prowse of Southampton in action during the Premier League match between Southampton and Chelsea at St Mary’s Stadium on April 14, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) /

Through 175 career appearances for the club the Englishman has only totaled ten goals and 19 assists (according to WhoScored.com). Those numbers do not impress any way you slice them and players for other squads will put up similar numbers in a single season.

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He has not lived up to expectations to this point, and the one time England call-up is further away from the national team than ever before. So, what does the future hold for James Ward-Prowse at his boyhood club?

If he continues to struggle for match time it would not be surprising to see him sold or loaned out in January truthfully. Watford reportedly made a bid for the midfielder over the summer in the neighborhood of £10 million – so there is interest for the player from other teams.

With the emergence of Hojbjerg and Lemina it is hard to see when and where Ward-Prowse will fit in on the pitch and it is doubtful he will be leap frogging Moi for the starting position on the right side any time soon.

If he does find himself on the pitch more in the coming weeks it is go time for him. He needs to be sharp and produce every time he is on the pitch. The window is closing quickly for the promising young player and everyone on the south coast wants to see him succeed and be the player they all know he can be.

If not, supporters might have to say good-bye to the player wish him the best wherever he lands either in January or next summer.