West Ham United took their time to sign James Ward-Prowse from Southampton, even to the point that Tottenham tried to hijack a move for the player.
But David Moyes got his man and now Gabby Agbonlahor thinks James Ward-Prowse is the signing of the summer, as he told talkSPORT (24/08/23 at 9:25 am).
West Ham paid ‘£30 million’ for the long-serving Saints player (BBC Sport), who had started their Championship campaign, including helping them to a crucial stoppage-time win at Sheffield Wednesday.
And on the 28-year-old’s debut for the Irons, he showcased why there was a lot of interest in him after Southampton’s relegation because he assisted two goals as his side beat Chelsea at the London Stadium.
Even though the previous campaign was one to forget for the England International, the likes of Spurs were still scouting his talents.
But now he begins life as a Hammer, with former Aston Villa striker Agbonlahor issuing the following response when asked who is the best signing of the summer, so far.
“I have to go value-for-money,” said Agbonlahor. “So, for me, I am going to go for James Ward-Prowse. I think he will be one of the signings of the summer.
“£35 million, it’s a third of what Declan Rice cost Arsenal. Two assists in his first game against Chelsea and he ran the midfield. West Ham have got a big side and Ward-Prowse is going to be great from set-pieces. He will be value for money.”
Ward-Prowse is the perfect player for Moyes
When Lucas Paqueta signed for West Ham last summer, he needed time to settle in because he didn’t suit what David Moyes wants from a player.
You play through the Brazil star in a more possession-based system, rather than doing most of your work without the ball, which is what Moyes’ sides do.
That’s why Ward-Prowse will fit in quicker, not forgetting his threat from set-pieces and the fact that he has more than tasted Premier League football.
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