West Ham United made the decision to loan out one of their standout players for the season to Southampton during the summer transfer window.
Flynn Downes joined West Ham from Swansea City for a reported fee of around £14 million in the summer of 2022, but struggled to secure a regular place at the London Stadium last season. Despite being a lifelong fan of the Hammers and a popular figure at the club, there are reportedly internal concerns about his suitability for Premier League football.
However, Downes has been making a strong impression at St Mary’s, earning substantial praise from Southampton manager Russell Martin.
It appears that Downes may be better suited to playing in the Championship rather than the Premier League.
So, what lies ahead for the midfielder when his loan spell with Southampton concludes? Dean Jones has offered an update on the situation.
It seems increasingly likely that the 24-year-old could depart the London Stadium permanently.
Football journalist Dean Jones, as per Give Me Sport, suggests that the prospect of Downes joining Southampton on a permanent basis at the end of the season is gaining traction. He stated:
“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.”
A permanent move to St Mary’s could be the ideal step for Downes and West Ham.
The midfielder’s addition would be a strong move for Southampton, and if West Ham can secure a respectable fee for him—anything upwards of £8-10 million—selling him could be a straightforward decision.
While I am confident that Downes will carve out a successful career for himself, I have reservations about him being ready for a top-10 Premier League team.
Nevertheless, I extend my best wishes for his future endeavors.
