Much has been made of Southampton’s interest in West Ham midfielder Flynn Downes. The lifelong Hammer is frequently mentioned as a makeweight in any potential James Ward Prowse transfer. However a recent suggestion that a Danny Ings swap deal might be the better option is an interesting one.
Ings scored in last night’s friendly win against Boreham Wood as he partnered Gianluca Scamacca in attack. But does anyone seriously expect David Moyes to play with two strikers in competitive games next season? The simple answer is no.
That outcome leads to the obvious conclusion that West Ham will once again play with a singular striker. Unfortunately for Ings, this is a system which he is not suited to play. As he demonstrated last night, our £15 million January signing is a fine finisher. However, as Michail Antionio succinctly put it . . . “Strikers feed on scraps under David Moyes“.
Whilst Antonio’s comments may have been poorly timed, they were accurate. In many respects Divin Mubama is more suited to the current Hammers system than Danny Ings. It’s difficult to imagine a scenario where Ings is a regular starter next season, which was surely his reason for leaving Aston Villa.
Swap might be best for both parties
There may be a scenario whereby a Ward Prowse/Ings swap deal could be mutually beneficial for all concerned. Southampton would aquire a forward capable of firing them to promotion whilst West Ham would obtain their key target without maximum outlay.
Any such deal would also allow more of the mythical Declan Rice money to be invested by Tim Steidten. It would also mitigate the financial depreciation associated with signing a player approaching their 30’s.
Perhaps I’m wrong and Ings is set for a starring role at the London Stadium this season. But it would take a monumental tactical switch from David Moyes for that to happen.
If I had my way, both Danny Ings and Flynn Downes (the worst signing since Jordan Hugill) would be used in a part exchange for James Ward Prowse. If we’re rebuilding, then the dross has to shipped out and fast.
Let’s face it, Ings salary is too high for the championship. He would have to take a hefty cut before he even considers. He’ll be happy enough sitting on the West Ham bench earning his $125K as it’ll be the last salary at that rate he will probably get in his career
Sounds plausible.
Though I’d rather have Livermento or Lavia in a swap. Younger,hungrier.
I did suggest Ings for Barnes on Hammers chat too