Sky Sports has indicated that Flynn Downes’ loan move from West Ham to Southampton is projected to be officially revealed on Monday afternoon. The news organization provided an update on their website earlier on the same day (August 14). Reporting that the midfielder has been undergoing a medical assessment at the south coast club. It’s understood that Downes will join Southampton on a direct loan basis.
Confirmed earlier on Monday morning, the arrival of the English international stands as the second signing at the London Stadium this summer.
Downes is to join a list of departures from West Ham. Which includes Declan Rice, Gianluca Scamacca, Manuel Lanzini, and Nikola Vlasic. Lucas Paqueta is also on the brink of leaving for Manchester City.
Downes, seeking regular playtime in his preferred midfield role, encountered a letdown in his stint with West Ham. His signing last summer seemingly positioned him as a successor to the club legend Mark Noble. With the potential to step in for the star player Declan Rice and potentially assume his role in the subsequent season. However, with Noble’s move to Arsenal in a £105 million transfer and a season marked by inconsistent opportunities under David Moyes. Downes’ prospects failed to materialize as anticipated.
Southampton and their ideas
Moreover, throughout his inaugural season in east London, the former Swansea City player managed to accumulate a total of 35 appearances for West Ham in various competitions. However, a considerable portion of these appearances were as a substitute. And his involvement often saw him positioned away from the central midfield role.
Moreover, with West Ham recently acquiring Edson Alvarez and Ward-Prowse to fill the void left by Rice. It suggests that the manager is not entirely convince by Flynn Downes, a local talent of the Hammers.
Should he secure consistent playing time in the Championship and rediscover his peak form, it could potentially serve as a fresh start for him. Yet, this scenario would effectively place him back in a situation reminiscent of 12 months ago.
In the context of David Moyes’ leadership at West Ham, uncertainties about Downes’. Enduring affiliation with the club might linger.
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