West Ham Midfielder's Transfer Exit Collapses as Burnley Withdraw Interest
The anticipated departure of James Ward-Prowse from West Ham United has dramatically collapsed after Premier League rivals Burnley reportedly ended their pursuit of the experienced midfielder. This development leaves the 31-year-old's future in serious doubt as the January transfer window enters its final days.
Burnley Abandon Move for 'Quality' West Ham Star
According to reports from Sky Sports, Burnley have dropped their interest in signing Ward-Prowse this month, despite having previously held talks with West Ham about a potential transfer. The Clarets, who are battling relegation alongside the Hammers, are no longer pursuing a deal for the set-piece specialist, effectively ending what had appeared to be Ward-Prowse's most viable Premier League lifeline.
This collapse comes at a particularly challenging time for Ward-Prowse, who has been facing what sources describe as an internal exile at West Ham under manager Nuno Espirito Santo. The Athletic reports that the Portuguese manager informed the midfielder upon his arrival in September that he would not be part of his plans, creating a difficult professional situation for the former Southampton captain.
Ward-Prowse's Complicated Relationship with Nuno Espirito Santo
The current impasse represents a significant reversal from just last season, when Nuno publicly praised Ward-Prowse during their time together at Nottingham Forest. He is different. His experience and quality, his talent and his knowledge of the game, the then-Forest manager said of the midfielder.
However, their professional relationship has deteriorated since Nuno's appointment at West Ham, with Ward-Prowse making just ten appearances during their loan spell together at Forest before it was cut short. Despite this history, there was a glimmer of hope last weekend when Ward-Prowse was named on the bench for West Ham's 3-1 victory over Sunderland - his first inclusion in a matchday squad under Nuno this season.
Uncertain Future for Experienced Midfielder
Ward-Prowse now faces limited options with the transfer window closing imminently:
- Remain at West Ham with 18 months remaining on his contract
- Seek an alternative move before the deadline
- Attempt to force his way back into Nuno's plans
The midfielder's situation has drawn sympathy from teammates, according to sources, particularly given his previous status as a regular starter under former manager Graham Potter. When questioned about Ward-Prowse's future in November, Nuno offered a diplomatic response: It's just decisions and I've been honest with all the players. All the players are committed and working hard. It's not an easy situation, but believe me, making the squad and deciding is tough.
With Burnley's withdrawal from negotiations, the 11-cap England international must now reassess his career options during what remains of the January window. His absence from regular football represents a significant challenge for a player once considered among the Premier League's most reliable midfield operators, particularly renowned for his exceptional dead-ball delivery.
West Ham's focus remains firmly on their relegation battle, having secured back-to-back league victories for only the second time this season with their win against Sunderland. The club has been active in the transfer market, bringing in Taty Castellanos, Pablo and Keiber Lamadrid while allowing several players including Luis Guilherme and Guido Rodriguez to depart on loan or permanent deals.
As the transfer deadline approaches, Ward-Prowse's immediate future hangs in the balance, with the collapsed Burnley move representing a substantial setback in his attempts to revive a career that has stalled unexpectedly under his current manager.
