West Ham United have finalized agreements to acquire Harry Maguire from Manchester United and James Ward-Prowse from Southampton in transactions totaling approximately £60 million, with each player’s deal valued around £30 million.
Maguire, who is 30 years old, experienced difficulty securing a regular place in Manchester United’s first team during the past season and was subsequently removed from his captaincy role this year. Despite joining United for a record £80 million fee for a defender in 2019, he appears eager to move, with personal terms not anticipated to hinder the transfer.
Meanwhile, West Ham has been pursuing Ward-Prowse throughout the summer, finally breaking through Southampton’s resistance, especially after their relegation to the Championship last season. The departure of their captain seemed unavoidable, and it is now on the verge of happening.
West Ham’s need for new talent became urgent after selling England’s Declan Rice to Arsenal for £105 million and Italian striker Gianluca Scamacca to Atalanta for £21.5 million. Manager David Moyes is also nearing a deal for Ajax’s Edson Alvarez as a substitute for Rice, and is linked to Manchester United’s Scott McTominay.
Maguire’s time at United has been marred by limited league starts and falling down the pecking order. Even after being assured by coach Erik ten Hag that he could fight for a spot, he faced criticism and boos from fans during pre-season matches. Nonetheless, he remained a regular starter for England’s national team, playing all five games at the 2022 World Cup.
Ward-Prowse recently played in Southampton’s Championship opener, but was absent from their defeat in the Carabao Cup first-round against Gillingham.
With Rice gone, West Ham is left without a clear captain, but both Maguire and Ward-Prowse are seen as viable options. Additionally, the team’s current central defenders, Nayef Aguerd and Kurt Zouma, have been dealing with injuries, which increases the importance of the new signings.
Lastly, Manchester City has expressed interest in West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta, although no formal offer has been made.
This flurry of transfer activity has fans of the Hammers eagerly awaiting updates and engaging with extensive coverage of the team, ensuring they don’t miss any significant developments as the club looks to strengthen its squad for the coming season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about West Ham transfers
Who has West Ham United agreed to sign?
West Ham United has agreed to sign Harry Maguire from Manchester United and James Ward-Prowse from Southampton, with both deals valued at approximately £30 million each.
Why is West Ham signing new players?
West Ham is looking to bolster their squad after key departures, including selling Declan Rice to Arsenal and Gianluca Scamacca to Atalanta. They are also addressing injury problems in the central defense.
What has been Harry Maguire’s situation at Manchester United?
Harry Maguire struggled to find first-team opportunities at Manchester United last season, slipped down the pecking order among central defenders, and was stripped of his captaincy.
How much are the deals for Harry Maguire and James Ward-Prowse worth?
The deals for Harry Maguire and James Ward-Prowse are worth about £60 million in total, with each deal thought to be in the region of £30 million.
What other transfer activity is West Ham involved in?
West Ham is also closing in on signing Ajax’s Edson Alvarez as a replacement for Rice and has been linked with Manchester United’s Scott McTominay. Additionally, Manchester City has shown interest in Hammers midfielder Lucas Paqueta.
Who might be the new captain for West Ham after Rice’s departure?
After the departure of Declan Rice, West Ham has not yet named a replacement for the captain’s role, but both incoming players, Harry Maguire and James Ward-Prowse, provide two options.
More about West Ham transfers
- West Ham United Official Website
- Premier League Transfer News
- Manchester United Official Website
- Southampton FC Official Website
- BBC Sport Football News
- ESPN FC Transfer Centre
5 comments
I never really liked Maguire as captain anyways, glad he’s gone, 30m is fine. more worried about that Paqueta interest from City, hope it’s not true.
Cant believe Maguire’s leaving United, £30m seems a bit low for him. west ham’s doing good business though, thoughts on Ward-Prowse anyone?
This is a great day for us Hammers! Maguire and Ward-Prowse, what a coup! but whats going on with the captaincy situation. moyes needs to clear this up…
So sad to see Ward-Prowse leaving, he was our captain and now were relegated. Just hope the money’s put to good use, need to bounce back fast…
Quite the strategic move from West Ham, strengthening the defense and midfield. They still need to address the striker position. and why is Moyes not naming a new captain yet, very strange!