Who is James Ward-Prowse? Get to know the West Ham midfielder set to join Nottingham Forest on loan

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Nottingham Forest are closing in on the deadline day signing of James Ward-Prowse from West Ham United.

It’s already been a hectic summer for Nottingham Forest with nine players recruited to Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad and a massive 26 players moving on.

However, there looks likely to be more incoming before the window closes on Friday, August 30, as Forest are trying to add a new goalkeeper to their ranks.

The Reds have also been linked with a £18m move for Benfica centre-back Morato.

It remains to be seen if those deals will be completed but it looks almost certain that James Ward-Prowse will arrive at the City Ground and here is everything you need to know.

How old is James Ward Prowse?

James Michael Edward Ward-Prowse was born on November 1, 1994, in Portsmouth, England.

As of August 2024, he is 29 years old.

James Ward-Prowse height and weight

Ward-Prowse stands a diminutive 5’8″ (177cm) and weighs just 88kg, according to TNT Sports, yet he remains a combative midfielder who can battle for the ball as well as pass it beautifully.

Twitter/X and Instagram accounts

Ward-Prowse has an official Instagram account @prowsey16 with nearly 250k followers. However, he hasn’t posted on it since 2020.

He also has an official X, formerly Twitter, account @Prowsey16 but that too has remained inactive since 2019.

James Ward-Prowse to Nottingham Forest transfer rumours

West Ham spent £30m to sign Ward-Prowse from Southampton last summer and he played a big role in their campaign, making 52 appearances across all competitions.

However, new manager Julen Lopetegui is keen to upgrade his midfield options and wants Ward-Prowse out of the door so he can bring new blood like Carlos Soler in.

It’s an opportunity Forest are pouncing on and Fabrizio Romano reports the club are in active talks to sign him.

Sky Sports reports that a deal has been agreed to sign Ward-Prowse on a straight loan for the season and he is now heading to Nottingham for his medical.

Praise for James Ward-Prowse

Funnily enough, Forest legend Garry Birtles wanted his club to make a move for Ward-Prowse last summer.

He told The Garibaldi Red podcast: “Why shouldn’t he come to a club like ours?

“The quality of the players coming in, people can see what’s happening here so why not?

“Cooper’s reputation goes before him and he’s a quality player. If we stay up you’ve got to look at players like that and the quality that they could bring to the team.”

James Ward-Prowse stats

Ward-Prowse free-kicks

One of the biggest qualities Ward-Prowse will bring to Forest is his superb ability at set-pieces.

Not only does the midfielder deliver a wicked corner but he is one of the best free-kick takers the Premier League has ever seen.

In fact, he is only two more free-kick goals away from breaking David Beckham’s long-standing Premier League record of 18.