West Ham United finds itself in an interesting situation with midfielder Flynn Downes. His successful loan spell at Southampton has sparked a potential transfer battle, but the Hammers hold the upper hand. Let’s have a look at each option.
Pros: Downes returns with valuable experience from a successful promotion campaign. He understands the club’s culture and could integrate seamlessly. and West Ham saves money on acquiring a new player.
Cons: There’s no guarantee he automatically slots back into the starting lineup. West Ham might need to adjust their tactics to accommodate him.
Pros: West Ham can recoup a significant transfer fee, potentially funding other signings. Southampton gets a proven player who contributed heavily to their promotion.
Cons: Finding a suitable replacement for Downes could be challenging and expensive. West Ham loses a player with experience and potential.
West Ham’s firm stance on a high price tag is a smart move. It shows confidence in Downes’ value and discourages lowball offers from Southampton.
Ideally, West Ham negotiates a fee that reflects Downes’ value while also considering the benefit of keeping him if Southampton get cold feet.
Moyes was the problem not giving him sufficient playing time.
With his progress on loan, showing that he can fit in with another team, keeping him could see a transfer increase at a later date.
Or better still further development turning him into a valuable seasoned asset.
At present he is worth more than £12m if Southampton want him as a permanent.
Additionally a benefit being ‘home grown’.
Appreciate it’s iffs and buts but that goes for any player.
One less replacement to find.
Keep him.
He played plenty of games for us but never offered as much as other midfielders in terms of assists and goals. I don’t think he was bought in for that though. I think he was bought in as back up if not understudy to Rice. Was never going to fill Rices shoes though.
Sell him to Saints he’s obviously happy there.
you must not have seen his little improtu speech at the promotion party
IIRRRONS
Keep him and sell them back JWP
don’t think so
downes is the most adaptable to lop imho
i think we’d prefer to sell JWP and soucek who are no where near as press resistance or comfortable on the ball as downes
for me downes could rival alvarez in a possession system for the #6 and he starts as #8 unless paq plays there or garcia comes in
either way he is better than jwp and soucek when we’re in possession
Having to adjust our tactics to accommodate him is hardly a “con” we need to adjust our tactics to suit a new manager anyway.
Keep him.
Like Vlasic, Scammaca, Halller & Benrama they didn’t shine here because that didn’t fit into the Moyes template.
Sell him as we have Freddie Potts coming back. Ideal for a back up.