James Ward-Prowse seals immediate Premier League transfer return with West Ham and is given former flop’s shirt number

JAMES WARD-PROWSE has joined West Ham and been given a former flop’s shirt number.

The ex-Southampton captain secured an immediate Premier League return after they were relegated last season.

Instagram @westhamJames Ward-Prowse has joined West Ham[/caption]

Instagram @westhamHe will wear the No7 shirt[/caption]

Ward-Prowse, 28, has signed a four-year contract at the Hammers to end his 20-year spell at the Saints.

The 11-time capped England midfielder played 410 times for Southampton, scoring 55 goals.

He was one of manager David Moyes‘ top transfer targets and he has arrived for a fee of £30million.

Ward-Prowse was unveiled to supporters with a golf-inspired video in a nod to his signature tee swing celebration.

The set-piece specialist will wear the No7 shirt at West Ham, taking the number from flop Gianluca Scamacca.

He joined from Sassuolo for £30m last summer but has already left to head back to Italy and sign for Atalanta with the Irons making an £8m loss on him.

The striker scored eight goals in 27 games with just three coming in the Prem.

On joining West Ham, Ward-Prowse said: “From the outside looking in, this is a club that has been on the rise for a number of years now and coming off the success in the Conference League.

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AlamyJames Ward-Prowse has taken to No7 from the departed Gianluca Scamacca[/caption]

“You can feel there is real momentum around this club. It’s great to be a part of it and I can’t wait to play my role in the games to come.

“When I think about my game, it is based on hard-work, graft, and giving 100 per cent.

“West Ham United has always been a club that has epitomises that.

“I feel as though I will fit straight in and I can promise I will give my all for this football club in my time here.”

Ward-Prowse penned an emotional goodbye to Southampton, saying: “Whether it’s been your amazing support, your work with me or playing alongside me, each and every one of you as made the last 20 years better than I ever had any right to expect.

“I have fulfilled so many of my dreams in both football and life while I’ve been here, so it is by no means easy for me to leave.

“While I may be leaving the club, I can assure you it will not be leaving me and that I always consider myself a member of the Southampton family.”

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