£30 million Ex-Southampton hero could have thrived under Russell Martin

Last year, Southampton agreed to sell 29-year-old midfielder James Ward-Prowse to West Ham in the summer transfer window. Following their relegation at the end of the 2022/23 season, the Saints had to bid farewell to their academy graduate Ward-Prowse due to West Ham's significant £30 million transfer offer. Southampton's underwhelming transfer decisions during that season led them to part ways with a number of their first-team stars to raise necessary transfer funds for new signings.

However, a surprising reunion could have been possible in this summer transfer window, as West Ham were willing to offload the box-to-box midfielder after bringing in a number of midfield reinforcements. Although Nottingham Forest eventually moved forward to sign Ward-Prowse on a loan move, Southampton could have thrived in the Premier League by securing a return for their former star.

£30 million Ex-Southampton hero could have thrived under Russell Martin

This is due to the fact that Russell Martin's side have been awarded around five corners in every league match this season, but are yet to score any goal from set-pieces. Southampton fans fondly remember Ward-Prowse for his inch-perfect accuracy from set-pieces as he contributed to a lot of important free-kick and corner goals for the Saints over the years.

Last month, another former Southampton star and five-time Champions League winner Gareth Bale also labelled Ward-Prowse as one of the best Premier League free-kick takers. In his debut season at West Ham, Ward Prowse registered 18 goal contributions and nine of them were assists from corners alongside an incredible corner goal against Wolves.

Southampton defenders Jan Bednarek and Taylor Harwood-Bellis possess great heading ability and could have scored five goals from around 40 corners awarded to Southampton so far. Alongside set-pieces, laying off perfect long through-balls and clever passes are also Ward-Prowse's impressive abilities as an advanced central playmaker.

Hence, James Ward-Prowse could have thrived under current Southampton manager Russell Martin and helped Southampton to take a few wins from the first eight matches. However, that isn't the case and Ward-Prowse is highly likely to return to West Ham next season following Nottingham Forest's good start to the season and West Ham's midfield struggles.

Now, Southampton should bring either a playmaker or a centre forward as a priority signing in the January transfer window to bolster their attack. Ward-Prowse's return to the St. Mary's Stadium isn't ruled out yet, and it remains to be seen whether the Saints can convince West Ham and Nottingham Forest to bring their former star on a six-month loan move in January.