Journalist lifts lid on potential West Ham decision to keep or permanently sell Flynn Downes
West Ham United sent Flynn Downes out on a season-long loan to Southampton in the summer transfer window.
David Moyes brought Flynn Downes to West Ham from Swansea City for around £14 million in the summer of 2022, but he failed to establish himself at the London Stadium last season.
The 24-year-old is a boyhood Hammers fan and he was a popular figure at the club, but behind the scenes there are apparently concerns that he might not be good enough to play Premier League football.
However, he has been really impressing at St Mary’s, drawing huge praise from Saints boss Russell Martin.
It seems to me like Downes is far more suited to playing Championship football than he is to the Premier League.
So what will Moyes do when the midfielder’s loan spell ends with Southampton? Dean Jones has provided an update for us
Flynn Downes’ West Ham future looks bleak
The 24-year-old could well be on his way out of the London Stadium on a permanent basis it seems.
According to football journalist Dean Jones via Give Me Sport, the likelihood of Downes joining Southampton permanently at the end of the season is increasing:
“I actually think it’s looking positive for Saints in terms of signing him. The way he’s improving and the way he’s playing is fitting with what they promised when he was signed. Now, West Ham will have an eye on this situation and be judging whether he can fit into what they’re doing. But you do also wonder whether West Ham are starting to move beyond it and that Southampton is going to be a better fit for Downes. Whether they’re at the top end of the Championship or back in the Premier League, obviously being back in the Premier League I think does give them the best opportunity of signing him. I think it’d be a great signing. And if the second half of the season goes well, and he feels part of it, I think his head might start to wonder whether that’s where he should be.”
I think that a move to St Mary’s on a permanent deal would be the best move for Downes and the Hammers.
Flynn Downes would be a solid signing for the Saints, and if we can get a decent fee for him – anything north of £8-10 million – I believe that selling him will be a no-brainer for West Ham.
I’m sure that the former Swansea City man will forge a very decent career for himself, but I just don’t think he’s quite got what it takes to play for a top 10 Premier League side.
Nonetheless, I wish him all the best in his future endeavours.
