Flynn Downes, a standout for West Ham United, is anticipated to press for a speedy return to St Mary’s in the upcoming weeks, which has given Southampton boss Russell Martin more motivation to try to recruit him permanently during the summer transfer window, according to GIVEMESPORT sources.
After Adam Armstrong’s first-half goal helped the south coast team defeat Leeds United in the Championship play-off final last month, Saints are getting ready to return to the Premier League. They could earn at least £140 million in revenue over the next three seasons.
After tying Adam Lallana down to a one-year contract to clinch his arrival, Martin has been having private talks with Southampton about recruitment targets. Southampton is now focused on signing Downes to a long-term contract.
Downes Ready to Agitate for Quickfire St Mary’s Return
Midfielder not prepared to be squad player at West Ham
According to GMS sources, Downes is ready to push for a transfer to Southampton before the start of the preseason because he has received early cues that, even after having a successful loan spell away from the London Stadium, it will be challenging to secure a regular starting spot in West Ham’s midfield.
The 25-year-old contributed five goals during his 37 appearances during his short-term stay with Saints, but it has been unclear if he will be included in Julen Lopetegui’s plans as the new head coach of the Hammers after he took David Moyes’ job.
According to GMS sources, Downes is keen to contribute more than just as a squad member in the quickly approaching 2023–24 season. Having loved his time at Southampton, he is keen to head back to the south coast should he not receive guarantees regarding the amount of playing time he can anticipate in the upcoming months.
| Flynn Downes’ statistical averages per 90 minutes during the 2023/24 campaign compared to the 2022/23 season | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 2022/23 | |
| Pass completion percentage | 93.0 | 87.3 |
| Percentage of dribblers tackled | 57.9 | 50.0 |
| Tackles | 2.12 | 1.88 |
| Interceptions | 1.66 | 0.82 |
| Clearances | 0.78 | 0.71 |
| Statistics correct as of 25/06/2024 | ||
The defensive-minded midfielder, who signed a contract worth up to £12 million to join West Ham from Swansea City two years ago, has made it clear what his intentions are. Originally, he was expected to be included in his current employers’ pre-season plans, which include two games in the United States against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Premier League rival Crystal Palace.
Before Southampton’s Premier League season opens with a trip to Newcastle United, Kyle Walker-Peters has already stated that he wants to work with Downes again. The full-back called the former Ipswich Town player “excellent” while he was at St Mary’s.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: In the entire 2023–24 Championship campaign, Flynn Downes’ pass completion percentage just once dropped below 85%.
Downes Seeking Speedy Decision Over Future
Saints target prefers to avoid switch late in window
According to GMS sources, Downes is eager to spend the whole preseason with the team he will play for in 2023–24 rather than disrupting his routine and involving himself in a transfer later in the summer window. As a result, he wants a decision regarding his future made within the next few weeks.
The Europa Conference League winner, who also played 39 games for Martin during their time together at Swansea, is eager to start the season with a team that is dedicated to him rather than considering how much money he could make, which will increase Southampton’s chances of landing a deal.
According to GMS sources, Saints are the front-runners to sign Downes. Permanent move talks have been ongoing since the play-off final, and the newly promoted team is eager to see their target return to a familiar environment for less than £15 million.
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