West Ham United face a midfield conundrum as the return of Flynn Downes from his loan spell at Southampton sparks discussions about his future at the club.
With Southampton’s Championship Play-Off final on Monday, Downes is expected to return to West Ham in the following days. However, the midfielder’s long-term prospects remain uncertain. The arrival of new manager Julen Lopetegui necessitates a fresh evaluation, with Downes’ future at the London Stadium hinging on Lopetegui’s assessment after pre-season training. The departure of David Moyes, who sanctioned the loan move, adds another layer of complexity to the decision.
Downes’ successful loan stint at Southampton has reportedly ignited his desire to remain on the south coast permanently. Under manager Russell Martin, Downes emerged as a key figure, making 35 appearances in the Championship, chipping in with two goals and two assists [FotMob].
The 23-year-old offers versatility, comfortable operating as either a box-to-box or defensive midfielder. His technical prowess and ability to retain possession were well-suited to Southampton’s possession-based system
The playing style Lopetegui intends to implement at West Ham is yet to be revealed, potentially impacting Downes’ role at the club.
Downes could provide valuable squad depth, offering cover for established midfielders like James Ward-Prowse and Tomas Soucek. However, if Lopetegui deems Downes not part of his plans, Southampton are likely to pursue a permanent transfer, capitalising on their positive experience with the midfielder this season.
West Ham fans will be keenly following this situation. Downes’ return and potential integration into Lopetegui’s system will be a key storyline to watch as the club prepares for the upcoming Premier League season.
Complete and utter bolleaux, Del.
Nowhere near as ‘bolleaux’ as your comments.
We should never have let Moes send him out on loan,always put in a good performance for us,bring him back into the fold
He is a sight lot better than Calvin Philips and DM never really gave him a chance. A common theme. Think there will be a place as Soucek is getting long in tooth.
No chance mate. Phillips is a good international player who just never got going at West Ham. Soucek is only 29, is the Czech Republic captain with 68 caps (12 goals) and often scores for West Ham. …..And you see a place for the very useless Downes who is 25, has a Prem record of 7 starts and 7 defeats – and 3 shots at goal without scoring.. Downes will never play for England. You haven’t a clue, Gaz.
He’s probably to young for us, unless he’s over 30 wouldn’t go anywhere near him?
Southampton are in the play off final next Monday so he won’t be back so soon as you think.
I think the reporting on this site has got worse since Hugh’s passing and i didn’t think that possible!