Mauricio Pochettino can reunite with ‘perfect role model’ Ward-Prowse at Chelsea

Mauricio Pochettino has the perfect opportunity for a reunion with James Ward-Prowse at Chelsea after Southampton’s relegation from the Premier League. The incoming Blues boss once described the midfielder as a role model when he was the Saints’ manager in 2013 and now there is an opening to work with him again.

Pochettino is set to be announced as Chelsea’s new manager this week as the Blues finally find a long-term replacement for Graham Potter. The Argentine is set to sign a three-year deal and will immediately start planning for next season as the Blues look to recover from their dire Premier League campaign. 

His first task will be to oversee the club’s business in the transfer market. The likes of Declan Rice, Lautaro Martinez and Alexis Mac Allister have been linked with the Blues set to spend big once again. 

With so much expenditure likely the club may also need to consider bargains as they look to stick within FFP regulations. Ward-Prowse could be a player that fits the bill. The Englishman would certainly not be a starter at Stamford Bridge but has a unique skillset, particularly from dead balls that could be utilised in some situations.

Given Southampton’s relegation from the Premier League, he should be available for a relatively low fee and would be a relatively low-risk kind of signing.

Pochettino may be a fan too. The Argentine spoke glowing of the midfielder when he was Southampton manager in 2013 suggesting that he was the perfect model for the rest of the club’s youngsters to follow. 

“James Ward-Prowse is basically an example of the player that we are promoting, the player we want to have in this club,” Pochettino said of the then-18-year-old. “In every training session, he gives 100%. 

“He always has an immediate impact in what he does and he is still a player who is growing. He is a figurehead of the sort of player that we are looking for at Southampton.”

Ward Prowse has been reluctant to comment too much on his future in the immediate aftermath of the Saints’ relegation as he suffers alongside his team. 

“I’m not thinking too far ahead,” he said. “We’ve just been relegated from the Premier League. I’m not looking beyond tomorrow.” 

It remains to be seen who Pochettino will look to bring in as Chelsea manager but the cut-price option of Ward-Prowse is there if he ever wanted to take it.