Insider: Nuno exit from West Ham could open the door for player's London Stadium comeback
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(Credit: Imago) Tue 5 May 2026 17:00, UK James Ward-Prowse could return to West Ham United at the end of the season if they suffer relegation from the Premier League.The 31-year-old was cast out after the arrival of Nuno Espirito Santo in September and eventually moved on loan to Burnley during the January transfer window.However, there have been suggestions the boss could leave if they are relegated, and that could open the door for the midfielder to return to the London Stadium.Former West Ham scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Ward-Prowse could play a role for the Hammers in the Championship next season.They are expected to be limited financially should they go down, given the turmoil behind the scenes, and may need to keep players ahead of a busy window for West Ham. 🔄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 What is next for James Ward-Prowse at West Ham?Brown told Football Insider in January that West Ham were happy to let Ward-Prowse leave, but there was a lack of interest from Premier League clubs.Burnley ultimately opted to take a chance on him, but he has had little impact at Turf Moor and they have already been officially relegated from the top tier.James Ward-Prowse 2025-26 StatsWest HamBurnleyAppearances611Starts68Minutes Played506741Goals00Assists01James Ward-Prowse’s stats for West Ham and Burnley in 2025-26.
(via Transfermarkt)There are concerns about whether the midfielder is good enough to play in the Premier League, but dropping down to the Championship could see him stay.“Ward-Prowse could return to West Ham,” Brown told Football Insider.“I don’t think you can rule it out, he’s only on loan at the moment so one way or another he will end up back there, but it’s just about how long for.“It’s pretty public knowledge that Nuno doesn’t fancy Ward-Prowse for whatever reason, he was the reason he left West Ham in the first place.“So if they get relegated and Nuno moves on, that could open the door for him to come back.“Dropping down into the Championship could give him an opportunity to play more minutes, especially if the current midfield options are going to move on.“Plus, they’ve got these financial issues that mean it could be difficult to bring in new players, so they could look to keep some of the fringe players around.“A lot will depend on what happens with the rest of the squad because it’s going to be a busy summer.“I’m not convinced Ward-Prowse is good enough to get into that West Ham side, but they might not have much of a choice if they go down.”Could Nuno Espirito Santo quit West Ham?After West Ham dropped into the bottom three in the Premier League, there is a growing feeling that Nuno could move on at the end of the season.A 3-0 defeat to Brentford last time out, while Tottenham beat Aston Villa 2-1, saw the Hammers fall into the relegation zone with just three games left to play.Credit: ImagoBrown told Football Insider on 4 May that Nuno could quit West Ham if they are relegated, and work is already ongoing to identify his potential replacement.The boss is not keen to manage in the Championship next season amid a belief they he will have a number of Premier League suitors ahead of major changes.After his spells at Wolves, Nottingham Forest and West Ham, he has a number of admirers at other clubs in the top tier who could offer him a way out. ⚒️ 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.