Former England international Darren Bent believes James Ward-Prowse should leave relegation-threatened Southampton this summer, with Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United both interested in the Premier League free-kick specialist (7 March, 4.30pm).
Ward-Prowse, a lifelong Saints fan, may find his allegiance tested in the coming weeks and months. Despite a nail-biting 1-0 win over Leicester City last time out, Southampton remain one of the clear relegation favorites.
Would Ward-Prowse stay in an attempt to drag his beloved team back into the top flight? With Euro 2024 only a year away and a slew of top-flight clubs interested, Bent believes that now is the time for Ward-Prowse to put’self’ before side.’
“They do have some talented young people. (Romeo) Lavia and other players. “However, he has seen many of the senior players around him leave,” says the former Tottenham Hotspur striker.
WILL TOTTENHAM OR NEWCASTLE LAND SOUTHAMPTON’S JAMES WARD-PROWSE?
When asked which clubs are most likely to make a move, Bent puts Tottenham and Newcastle at the top of the list.
“Newcastle or even Tottenham,” Bent adds. “He has the ability to create. We all know how important set-pieces are in today’s game. There is no one better in the world of football than this guy. Perhaps (Lionel) Messi!”
Ward-Prowse, if he finds the net from a dead-ball scenario against Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United this weekend, will equal David Beckham for the most free-kick goals in Premier League history. His 17th and most recent was a dramatic winner away at Chelsea.
According to The Athletic, Southampton demanded £50 million for their homegrown captain when Aston Villa made several approaches in the summer of 2021. Ward-value Prowse’s is likely to fall sharply if Ruben Selles is unable to keep his side out of the dreaded bottom three.
Ward-Prowse is “outstanding,” former boss Nathan Jones told Hampshire Live.
“He’s been absolutely fantastic for me. I’m confident he’ll break Beckham’s record. I believe he will continue to play in the Premier League for a number of years. The standard will not deteriorate in any way.
“Unless somebody comes in and cut off his right leg, I think that record is under threat. He’s one of the most consistent technicians I’ve ever seen.
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