Southampton have brought former skipper James Ward-Prowse back to the club from Championship rivals West Ham United.
The 31-year-old ex-England midfielder has agreed a two-year deal at St Mary’s, with the transfer fee believed to be slightly below £1m.
Ward-Prowse departed Southampton for West Ham in 2023 and made 75 appearances for the London club.
He also spent time on loan with Nottingham Forest and later Burnley, featuring 14 times for the latter last season.
Having joined Southampton’s academy at the age of eight, he progressed through the youth system and went on to play 410 matches for the senior side.
Ward-Prowse described his return as feeling somewhat unreal.
He said the previous few days had been hectic, but added that he was thrilled to return and that wearing Southampton’s red and white colours again meant a great deal to him.
The midfielder explained that Southampton feels like home because he had been part of the club’s academy since childhood.
He reflected fondly on his first spell and revealed that, even after leaving, he had always hoped he might eventually return.
Ward-Prowse added that he is enthusiastic about being back and ready to embrace the challenge ahead.
During his previous Southampton career, Ward-Prowse recorded 55 goals and 52 assists. Seventeen of those goals were scored from free-kicks in the Premier League, leaving him one short of David Beckham’s competition record of 18.
He has also represented England 11 times and scored two international goals.
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