Signing Flynn Downes permanently is Southampton’s number one priority this summer ahead of their return to the Premier League.
Having joined on loan last summer, Flynn Downes was one of Southampton‘s standout performers as he showed exactly why Russell Martin was so desperate to bring him in.
His tough tackling and energetic displays out of possession were impressive enough but the way he is constantly available for a pass and dictates the tempo of the game is what makes him so good.
Latest reports suggest Southampton are edging closer to securing a permanent deal for the midfielder, with West Ham United open to a sale and the Saints willing to spend up to £15 million.
However, his arrival may not be such good news for one player.
Southampton should loan out Shea Charles if Flynn Downes signs
If Downes does make the move to the south coast then he will be one of the first names on the team sheet.
He has earned that right through his performances last season and it is clear to see how important he is to the way Southampton want to play; the club winning just two of the ten league games he missed last campaign.
Given the step up in quality associated with the Premier League and the over-reliance on Downes, Martin may actually have to target another holding midfielder even if they do convince West Ham to sell.
With this in mind, Southampton should consider sending 20-year-old defensive midfielder Shea Charles out on loan with opportunities likely to be difficult to come by.
Charles made 38 appearances in all competitions last season, but Martin did not trust him at key points in the campaign; something which is unlikely to change next season.
Charles has big future at Southampton
Southampton spent £10.5 million to sign Charles from Manchester City last summer as they prepared for life in the Championship.
The youngster had a decent campaign in what was his first as a senior professional.
Strangely, prior to his arrival at the Saints, Charles had actually made more appearances for Northern Ireland’s senior side than he had at club level.
He is highly regarded in his homeland and then-manager Michael O’Neil was full of praise for Charles after a 2-0 win over San Marino in March 2023, saying: “Shea was magnificent, I thought.
“He broke the play up, he rarely wasted a pass. We put him in the middle of the back three for the last 15 minutes and he wasn’t fazed by that.
“His temperament for the game is as good as I’ve seen in a young player, to be honest.”
Still so young and with an invaluable first season of senior football under his belt, Charles will only get better.
However, perhaps a loan is best to continue his development ready to make an impact at Southampton in the 2025/26 season.