James Ward-Prowse has left West Ham for Burnley on a loan deal running until the end of the season, giving the midfielder a fresh chance to play regular Premier League football while joining a direct rival
in the relegation battle.
The move links Ward-Prowse with a Burnley side sitting 19th in the Premier League table, 10 points short of safety after a 2-2 draw with Tottenham, as Scott Parker looks for extra experience and quality in midfield for the survival push.
Ward-Prowse has barely featured for West Ham this season, with only six Premier League appearances under Graham Potter before dropping out of favour, leaving the 31-year-old searching for a club prepared to offer more consistent playing time.
The arrival of Nuno Espirito Santo at West Ham has further reduced Ward-Prowse’s involvement, as the midfielder has not even been named in a matchday squad since mid-September and has yet to play a single minute under the Portuguese coach.
This is not the first time Ward-Prowse has worked under Nuno, with the midfielder loaned to Nottingham Forest last season when Nuno was in charge there, although that spell ended early when the agreement was cut short during the January transfer window.
Despite the main focus on Burnley’s fight for survival, Ward-Prowse is likely to keep a close eye on West Ham’s results as well, with Nuno’s side sitting only five points ahead of Burnley, who are currently 18th, keeping both clubs locked in the same relegation struggle.
Im really pleased to be here, Ward-Prowse told Burnley's official media channels. As soon as I heard of Burnleys interest and spoke to the manager, I knew this loan spell was just what I needed. Theres a big battle between now and the end of the season, but Im going to relish every moment. I just want to get out there, pull on the Burnley shirt and give my all for the challenge thats ahead.
Watch our first interview with our new recruit nowBurnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) January 28, 2026
Ward-Prowse now heads into the final months of the Premier League campaign aiming to lift Burnley out of the bottom three, while also trying to revive a West Ham career that has stalled, making this loan spell crucial for both the player and the clubs involved in the relegation fight.
