After a quiet transfer deadline day, Nottingham Forest are putting the finishing touches on a season-long loan deal for West Ham midfielder James Ward-Prowse.
Forest’s current status is exceptional. Last season, the Reds signed seven new players on a frenetic deadline day, but this year was considerably calmer.
Ward-Prowse is an expert at taking free kicks, and if he scores twice for Forest, he would break David Beckham’s Premier League record.
The 29-year-old scored seven goals and had 11 assists last season, and Forest will be hoping he can make an impact this season.
Kevin Nolan reveals what will surprise Nuno Espirito Santo about James Ward-Prowse.
The midfielder only joined West Ham last summer in a £30 million deal, so it’s remarkable that Forest have managed to sign him.
However, Julen Lopetegui has replaced David Moyes at the London Stadium, which has pushed Ward-Prowse down the pecking order.
Nolan still lives in Nottingham with one of his children, who plays for Forest. He was West Ham’s assistant manager last season and feels Ward-Prowse will surprise Espirito Santo.
He told BBC Sport: “We finished second in the league on set pieces, and he was a big part of that. He’s a top professional, a top player, and one of those guys that you don’t realize how amazing he is until you see him on the practice field.
“He’s a terrific addition for Nottingham Forest; I saw him the other night and believe he will fit in there and become one of the best midfielders they have. I believe Forest has done excellent business, and to top it all off, his delivery from free kicks and corners is outstanding.”
Ward-Prowse has the ability to impress the Forest fan base.
It’s nice to see Ward-Prowse finally sign for the club, considering Forest had been connected with him before he joined West Ham a year ago.
The Reds may now look forward to Ward-Prowse whipping his outrageously easy-to-see set-pieces into the box while wearing the Garibaldi.
Ward-Prowse is 29, and his expertise may be immensely valuable in a dressing room full of young players.
It’s intriguing that Nolan has lauded his work ethic in training, which will undoubtedly gain him a spot on Espirito Santo’s team early this season.
