Downes deal another blow to Palace from the Irons

By CandH’s top blogger Allen Cummings

How must Crystal Palace be feeling right now? To be honest I don’t particularly care too much – but with the official confirmation of our new signing Flynn Downes from Swansea City, Patrick Vieira’s outfit must be rueing the Hammers beating them once again to a another signature.

Vieira has been very astute in his signings for Palace – and had clearly marked the 23 year old as another important addition to his team building in south London.

But Downes is a committed Hammer, like the rest of his family, and when the club came calling there was only ever likely to be one outcome.

It’s very much a case of deja vu for the Selhurst Park outfit. Back in January 2020 they thought they had a deal with Hull City to sign a promising player by the name of Jarrod Bowen, having fought off interest from Newcastle United.

The Geordies were said to be tracking Bowen, just as they are now being linked with every Tom, Dick and Harry. But West Ham stepped in with a late, late 24^th hour bid for Bowen – and the rest as they say is history.  Bowen was also 23 at the time he signed.

Jarrod was the first new addition under the second tenure of David Moyes at West Ham, and what a bargain he has turned out to be.

Bowen has come along in leaps and bounds under Moyes’ guidance – quickly establishing himself as a fans’ favourite with his mazy runs and clinical finishing – not to mention those valuable assists. It’s no surprise he’s now a part of Gareth Southgate’s England set-up.

If Flynn Downes progresses anything like the way Bowen has since joining the Hammers we’ve got ourselves another bargain buy from the Championship

With England Under 19 and Under 20 caps already to his name it’s clear Downes has quality. He’s also the kind of whole-hearted player West Ham fans love. He is totally committed, with an engine that runs all day long.

Only time will tell of course, but the “young and hungry” kind of player David Moyes spoke about bringing to the club is there for all to see in this lad.

Downes is our third signing of the season so far behind Nayef Aguerd and the permanent signing of Alphonse Areola – with serious talk of more to come. Maybe things aren’t turning out so badly after all!