David Moyes says having James Ward-Prowse's leadership qualities in the West Ham squad is a "huge plus" for the club following the midfielder's £30million move from Southampton.
The 28-year-old, who was relegated with boyhood club Saints last season, has signed a four-year deal at the London Stadium and will wear the No 7 shirt for the Hammers.
Ward-Prowse was announced as a West Ham player on Monday morning and could make his debut for his new club on Sunday when David Moyes' side host Chelsea in the Premier League.
He becomes the club’s second signing of the summer following the arrival of Mexican international midfielder Edson Alvarez, with West Ham having to reinforce their midfield following the £105million sale of captain Declan Rice to Arsenal.
Ward-Prowse made 410 appearances for Southampton during his time on the south coast, with 344 of those coming in the Premier League. In his last two seasons, the midfielder has scored 11 goals in all competitions while also wearing the captain’s armband, which he inherited from Pierre-Emile Hojberg in 2020.
Hammers boss Moyes says adding Ward-Prowse’s leadership qualities to his squad as well as his talents on the pitch has been important, with the club losing a big character and voice in the dressing room when club captain Rice was sold this summer.
READ MORE: James Ward-Prowse completes West Ham transfer as David Moyes seals second signing
“I’m delighted to bring a player of James’ quality and experience to West Ham United,” said Moyes. “He's performed to a very high level in the Premier League over the last decade, constantly producing good numbers season after season.
“His leadership qualities are obviously another huge plus for us – he’ll be a big voice for us, someone who drives the team on from the middle of the pitch. We’re excited to get him up and running, for what will be another busy season on both the domestic and European front.”
Ward-Prowse has 11 England caps to his name which he will be hoping to add to while a West Ham player and is also just one direct free-kick goal away from equalling David Beckham’s Premier League record of 18 set-piece goals.
“I’m buzzing to be here at West Ham United," said the midfielder. "It’s great to be here and I’m looking forward to getting going.
“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 UEFA Europa Conference League last year, 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."
