Southampton have reached an agreement with West Ham United to sign midfielder Flynn Downes, according to Sky Sports News.
Downes spent the 2023/24 season on loan with Saints and was a key part of the team that earned promotion to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs.
The 25-year-old made 37 appearances across all competitions last season, chipping in with two goals and three assists.
Downes played an important role in Southampton’s 1-0 victory over Leeds United in the play-off final, winning eight out of 16 ground duels and recording seven tackles.
The English midfielder is a priority target for manager Russell Martin, and both parties are poised to be reunited ahead of the 2024/25 season.
According to The Athletic, West Ham will pocket around £18 million from Downes’ exit, a significant profit for the midfielder who set them back around £9m when he joined the club from Swansea City in 2022.
Downes struggled to establish himself at the London Stadium but made 35 appearances in all competitions during his debut season.
He was also part of the Hammers side that won the Europa Conference League in 2022/23.
Downes’ Southampton move could strengthen West Ham’s bid for Walker-Peters
Downes’ move to Southampton could have a knock-on effect on West Ham’s bid to sign Kyle Walker-Peters from the Saints.
After bolstering our centre-back options with the addition of the experienced Max Kilman from Wolverhampton Wanderers, West Ham’s attention has turned towards signing a right-back.
With Ben Johnson turning down a new deal to join newly-promoted Ipswich Town, Vladimir Coufal is the only recognised right back in Julen Lopetegui’s squad.
Technical director Tim Steidten has identified Southampton’s Walker-Peters as a target, and Downes’ imminent move could strengthen the club’s chances of signing the right-back.
The 27-year-old was also a key player for Southampton last season, notching three goals and three assists in 47 games across all competitions.
Stats from Sofascore.com.
