Ex-West Ham Scout: New Burnley manager to play key role in signing Irons midfielder
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(Credit: Imago) Wed 6 May 2026 12:00, UK James Ward-Prowse could complete a permanent move away from West Ham United and remain at Burnley beyond the end of his loan deal.The 31-year-old has spent the second half of the season on loan at Turf Moor after being cast out by Nuno Espirito Santo following his appointment.Scott Parker’s departure at Burnley has complicated their immediate transfer plans, but work is already underway to appoint their replacement for next season.Former West Ham scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that West Ham are opening to selling Ward-Prowse if an acceptable offer arrives this summer.Burnley’s next managerial appointment will likely be key to any permanent move at Turf Moor, but regardless of their stance, West Ham are making plans for big sales. 🔄West Ham United Transfer Update🔄 Breaking news on signings, departures, and contract news from the West Ham United boardroom. VISIT THE WEST HAM TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Why are West Ham keen to sell James Ward-Prowse?Football Insider revealed in March that West Ham could be forced to sell players this summer as a result of financial concerns behind the scenes.After reporting losses of over £100million for the last financial year, they may have no choice but to cash in on players, and the likes of Ward-Prowse will likely be first to go.James Ward-Prowse 2025-26West Ham StatsBurnley StatsAppearances611Starts68Minutes Played506741Assists01James Ward-Prowse’s stats for West Ham and Burnley in 2025-26.
(via Transfermarkt)A return to Burnley in the Championship could be the most straight-forward option for the midfielder, and West Ham are prepared to entertain offers.“A lot will depend on what happens at Burnley,” Brown told Football Insider.“Scott Parker has gone, so they’re looking for his replacement, and whoever comes in will have a lot of decisions to make about the players in that squad.“It’s the case whenever a team gets relegated, they have to look at who they might have to sell and which players they’re going to want to keep.“If the new manager looks at Ward-Prowse and decides his qualities could benefit the team, then they can look to get a deal done with West Ham.“I’m not convinced about him at Premier League level any more, but going into the Championship with Burnley could suit him.“Everybody knows what he can do when he’s at his best, I don’t think he’s been anywhere near his best this season, but he might think it’s time for a permanent move to settle down.”Could Ward-Prowse return to West Ham next season?Despite speculation that he could remain at Burnley beyond the end of the season, there is also a chance the midfielder could become part of the squad at the London Stadium.Football Insider revealed on 5 May that Ward-Prowse could return to West Ham if they are relegated from the Premier League come the end of the season.Credit: ImagoHaving been expelled from the squad by Nuno earlier this season, the manager’s likely departure in the event of their relegation would open the door for a return.Meanwhile, as a result of the Hammers’ ongoing financial issues, they could be restricted in their spending and opt to keep some fringe players around.Dropping into the Championship may also provide a better option for Ward-Prowse amid concerns he is now past his best at Premier League level. ⚒️ Don’t Miss a Beat: Your West Ham Insider Access Get the full story from the London Stadium and Rush Green with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from East London.