West Ham United are experiencing a notable shift in their midfield department. On Tuesday the club officially bid farewell to Argentine defensive midfielder Guido Rodríguez on a permanent basis to Valencia of the Spanish first division, while set-piece specialist James Ward-Prowse appears poised for a loan move away to Burnley. Under manager Nuno Espírito Santo, these departures signal a clear-out of players who have struggled for regular minutes, but they also raise questions about how the Hammers will fill the void in the engine room. Ward-Prowse is a left over from the David Moyes era and Rodriguez was a Julen Lopetigui pick. Both had no role in Nuno's midfield rebalancing.
Earlier this season before the coaching change former manager Graham Potter lived and died with his veteran mid-fielders. It wasn't until Nuno arrived that Ward-Prowse was permanently iced in favor of Freddie Potts and Rodriguez was given limited opportunities while Soungoutou Magassa saw increased time. The remainder of his time in East London proved underwhelming, with limited starts and impact amid competition and tactical shifts.
On January 26, 2026, West Ham confirmed Rodríguez's permanent transfer to Valencia for an undisclosed fee. The 31-year-old sent a heartfelt farewell message to fans, but his exit underscores a failed experiment. Rodríguez's departure frees up wages and squad space, but it removes a player capable of breaking up play and providing stability in front of the backline. Details of the move have yet to be released but it appears as if West Ham voiided the time remaining on this contract in order for him to leave on a free transfer.
James Ward-Prowse on the Brink of Departure
James Ward-Prowse, signed from Southampton in 2023 for around £30 million. He has been one of the Premier League's premier dead-ball experts, renowned for his pinpoint free-kicks and corners. Yet, since Nuno Espírito Santo's appointment in September 2025, the 31-year-old has been largely sidelined, not featuring in matches.
Recent reports indicate Ward-Prowse is close to sealing a straight loan move to relegation rivals Burnley, with talks advancing and permission granted for a medical. This would allow him regular football while West Ham trim their squad. His potential exit would be a blow to the team's set-piece threat, an area where Ward-Prowse has excelled during his time at the club.
Even as he played more under Potter his set piece strength seemed to take a step back. In the few games he was in the starting eleven the midfield to lack pace and the biggest culprit was Ward-Prowse. While he still provided leadership and professionalism he was destined for a smaller role in the squad this season. Nuno made it so.
How will West Ham replace them?
With both players heading out, West Ham's midfield options look thin on paper. Established names like Tomas Soucek remain a cornerstone, but beyond him, the depth relies heavily on youth: Freddie Potts, Soungoutou Magassa, and Mohamadou Kante are among those expected to step up.
The club has focused January spending on attacking reinforcements, including strikers Pablo Felipe (£20m from Gil Vicente) and Taty Castellanos (£26m from Lazio), suggesting a shift toward bolstering the frontline amid relegation concerns. No major midfield incomings have been confirmed, and earlier departures like Andy Irving to Sparta Prague have further depleted options.
Some possibilities include internal promotion of academy prospects like Lewis Orford has returned from a loan stint or a late-window dip into the market for a versatile option. Earlier in the window West Ham were linked with former Tottenham star Eric Dier and N'Golo Kante who once saved Leicester City from relegation and went on to win a league title, but talks have gone quiet. Nuno may opt to trust the existing group, pairing Soucek with Fernandes or Potts for a more dynamic setup. The incoming signing, Adama Traoré from Fulham, while primarily a winger, could add midfield flexibility in transitions, though he's not a direct like-for-like.
These departures mark the end of eras for two experienced internationals at West Ham, potentially signaling a youth-oriented rebuild under Nuno. While the loss of Rodríguez's defensive nous and Ward-Prowse's creativity stings, it could open doors for emerging talent. As the window closes, fans will watch closely to see if the Hammers reinforce sufficiently to steady their season and climb away from danger.