CLARETS CLINCH WARD-PROWSE LOAN DEAL

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Burnley add experienced midfielder to squad

2026-01-28T18:30:00.000Z

CLARETS CLINCH WARD-PROWSE LOAN DEAL

Burnley add experienced midfielder to squad

2026-01-28T18:30:00.000Z

Burnley add experienced midfielder to squad

Burnley Football Club are pleased to confirm the arrival of midfielder James Ward-Prowse, who joins the Club on a loan deal until the end of the season.

The experienced 31-year-old, who has made over 400 Premier League appearances and has 11 England caps to his name, will add to Scott Parker's midfield options for the second half of the 2025/26 campaign.

Renowned for his exquisite delivery from set pieces and open play, his passing, shooting, positive character and willingness to take responsibility, Ward-Prowse – who has scored a remarkable 17 Premier League goals direct from a free-kick, one goal shy of David Beckham’s record (18) – expressed his delight at putting pen to paper with the Clarets.

CLARETS CLINCH WARD-PROWSE LOAN DEAL - Image 1

“I’m really pleased to be here,” he said.

“As soon as I heard of Burnley’s interest and spoke to the manager, I knew this loan spell was just what I needed.

“There’s a big battle between now and the end of the season, but I’m going to relish every moment.

“I just want to get out there, pull on the Burnley shirt and give my all for the challenge that’s ahead.”

Born in Portsmouth, Ward-Prowse joined Southampton's academy at the age of eight. After progressing through the junior age groups, he made his Saints first team debut aged 16 in October 2011 in an EFL Cup tie against Crystal Palace.

After being handed his first top-flight start on the opening day of the 2012/13 campaign, Ward-Prowse went on to become a St Mary's fans’ favourite, cementing his place in the starting XI across the next 11 seasons.

The midfielder, known for scoring some of the best free-kick goals in Premier League history, went on to play over 400 games for the Saints, scoring 55 times and missed just two league games in his last four years on the South coast, before eventually departing in the summer of 2023.

Following a total of 20 years with Southampton, the midfielder penned a four-year deal at West Ham United.

CLARETS CLINCH WARD-PROWSE LOAN DEAL - Image 2

A dream Hammers debut against Chelsea saw him register two assists in a 3-1 win, before scoring his first goal for the London club and his 50th in the Premier League, a week later in a win over Brighton & Hove Albion.

Ward-Prowse finished his first season at the London Stadium having made 51 appearances, before spending the first half of the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Nottingham Forest.

The central midfielder returned to London in the winter transfer window that season, going on to play a further 15 times for the Hammers.

Now, a new chapter awaits at Turf Moor, with the midfielder ready to add all his experience, know-how and quality to the Clarets’ squad for the remainder of the season.

Everyone at Burnley FC welcomes James to Turf Moor and wishes him and his family the very best for their time in Lancashire.