Aston Villa are set to launch a James Ward-Prowse transfer bid, attempting to prize the England international away from his boyhood club, Southampton, The Guardian’s Paul Doyle has reported.
Aston Villa Set for James Ward-Prowse Transfer Move
Early Bird
Villa boss Dean Smith is keen to do the club’s summer transfer business early this summer, having already agreed a club-record fee to sign Norwich City‘s Emiliano Buendia, reportedly fending off interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal.
One season after surviving likely relegation, Villa were much more comfortable in their second campaign back in the top-flight. After a bright start, they ended up finishing in 11th-place. The Villains are already making efforts to improve on last season’s performance with some exciting additions.
Possible James Ward-Prowse Transfer and What He Will Bring to Villa Park
Southampton is all that is known to James Ward-Prowse, having been on the books at the club since 2003. He has thrived under Ralph Hasenhuttl and remains the club captain. However, Villa, with the likes of Buendia coming in and Jack Grealish, one of England’s best talents, could be a tempting proposition for the seven-time capped England international.
Ward-Prowse himself was named in the provisional 33-man squad for Euro 2020, before being omitted for Gareth Southgate’s final 26-man strong team.
Villa’s business in the market shows real intent, especially if they can keep Grealish from the desired hands of every ‘big six’ club in English football this summer.
The Southampton midfielder would obviously compliment Grealish – the most fouled player in the league – something Ward-Prowse with his set-piece expertise can relish.
Big Loss to Southampton if He Goes
Not only losing their club captain if Ward-Prowse does make the move to Villa, but Southampton would be losing one of their biggest attacking assets. His nine goals scored in 2020/21 were just four short of the club’s top goalscorer Danny Ings.
In total, Ward-Prowse was involved in 15 – almost a third – of Southampton’s 47 Premier League goals this past season.
Move Can Enhance his England Chances
Moving to Villa Park could well enhance Ward-Prowse’s chances of featuring for England more often. Southampton collapsed after a positive start last season and found themselves further down than they’d ever have imagined. However, with a move to Aston Villa, a side who look like they’re getting more exciting by the day and with that, stronger, Ward-Prowse has to potential to finish much higher in the league and have much more involvement – which would be music to both Dean Smith and Gareth Southgate’s ears.
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