So it seems like West Ham United will have to make do without one player in particular next season.
Julen Lopetegui is all set to replace David Moyes as the new West Ham boss this summer, and the Spaniard has grand plans for a big squad shake-up.
The Hammers could have an incredibly exciting starting XI next season, but Lopetegui will definitely have to beef out his squad as well.
Given the current PSR situation, that may well mean that the Spaniard has to promote some youth players, or give chances to those who have been out on loan this season.
Flynn Downes is certainly someone who could play a key role for us next season, after displaying his quality with Southampton this term.
The hard-working, touch tackling midfielder has played a key role in his side’s push for the Championship play-offs this season.
In 34 Championship games for the Saints, Downes has bagged two goals and two assists. During those appearances, he has averaged 1.8 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game. He has made 64.9 passes on average per match and has recorded a mightily impressive completion rate of 93.3% (Who Scored).
Southampton boss Russell Martin absolutely loves Downes and recently labelled him as ‘outstanding’.
So where will he be playing his football during the 2024/25 campaign?
Flynn Downes states he doesn’t want to play for West Ham next season
The Brentwood-born Downes secured his dream move to the London Stadium in the summer of 2022.
Despite not being given regular game-time under Moyes last term, he clearly loved every minute he spent on the pitch in the famous claret and blue strip.
And with that in mind, Downes’ latest comments came across as a real shock to me.
The 25-year-old shared his love for Southampton and insisted that St Mary’s is where he wants to be playing his football next season, when speaking to the Daily Echo:
“Of course, I would love to stay here next season. I love it here. I love the gaffer. I love the staff. I love this place. Obviously, we will have to see what happens. I won’t know too much until I go back to West Ham. We will see what happens there.”
Now, that is quite the turnaround.
Downes – a boyhood Hammers fan – has always insisted that it was his dream to play for West Ham United (WHUFC.com).
And after his successful loan spell with Southampton this season, the 25-year-old was fully expected to return to the London Stadium to provide strong competition and cover for Edson Alvarez.
However, the comments from Flynn Downes yesterday certainly suggest that he wants to stay with Southampton next term and beyond, rather than return to West Ham.
Much will depend on whether or not the Saints gain promotion back to the Premier League.
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