A big Flynn Downes twist could end up being the icing on the cake for West Ham United this summer.
Flynn Downes left West Ham to join Southampton on a season-long loan last summer, and he was a huge hit at St Mary’s.
The 25-year-old apparently doesn’t think he has much of a future at the London Stadium under new manager Julen Lopetegui.
And it was recently reported that West Ham are open to selling him this summer (Daily Echo), with the likes of Edson Alvarez, Tomas Soucek, James Ward-Prowse and Freddie Potts all capable of playing in his position.
Despite the fact that Downes struggled to firmly establish himself at the London Stadium during the 2022/23 season, he was barely given a fair crack of the whip was he?
The 25-year-old was handed just seven Premier League starts under David Moyes. With Southampton this campaign just gone though, he played consistently and proved himself to be a top-class player.
Sure, it was only in the Championship, but you can only beat who’s in front of you right? Perhaps he does deserve another big chance to shine at West Ham, but is that a realistic prospect?
Flynn Downes U-turn could be icing on the cake for West Ham
The Hammers could end up enjoying a fantastic transfer window if everything goes our way this summer.
And the latest update on Downes could end up being really good news for the Hammers.
Selling him this summer would be a big mistake in my opinion. That may well not happen now though, so what has changed?
According to the Evening Standard, West Ham are set to delay their decision on whether or not to sell Downes this summer.
That’s because Lopetegui wants to examine every single player during pre-season, before making his mind up on who he wants to keep.
Keeping Downes could be important for two reasons.
Firstly, there is no reason at all why the 25-year-old cannot provide adequate competition and cover for Edson Alvarez in the defensive midfield role.
If the former Swansea man is sold, even for a profit on what we paid for him, Lopetegui will only have to sign a replacement anyway. Try finding a proficient defensive midfielder out there for less than £20 million!
Secondly, should Downes be moved on, we will lose another player who fits into the ‘homegrown’ criteria.
Premier League clubs now need a minimum of eight homegrown players amongst their squads, and West Ham are light in that particular department as it is.
Lopetegui is clearly making waves in the transfer market, with a whole host of new signings apparently on their way to the London Stadium.
Fabricio Bruno is said to be close to joining the Hammers, whilst we are reportedly closing in on the signing of Portuguese attacker Jota Silva.
And keeping Flynn Downes may well end up being the icing on the cake for West Ham this summer though. Whether he is able to impress Lopetegui remains to be seen though.
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