Flynn Downes says goodbye to West Ham United teammates ahead of London Stadium exit – ExWHUemployee

Flynn Downes has said goodbye to his teammates at West Ham United ahead of joining Southampton on loan, according to ExWHUemployee.

Writing via his Patreon on Saturday night (12 August), the reliable Irons insider reported that Downes, 24, is now on the verge of joining the Championship club, who initially showed an interest in the midfielder back in May.

James Ward-Prowse’s move from Southampton to West Ham is set to be announced in the coming days [Sky Sports].

All the best

It’s a shame to see Downes leaving but with Ward-Prowse coming in to join new signing Edson Alvarez in the midfield, there’s not going to be much chance for the ex-Swansea ace to play next season.

Last term, Downes played 35 times in all competitions for the Hammers but he only started seven times in the Premier League as most of his appearances either came in the cups or as a substitute.

It’s unfortunate because we all wanted Downes to succeed as he’s a boyhood West Ham fan from Brentwood.

However, the step up to the Premier League is possibly a bit premature for the midfielder and another year in the Championship, at a team who’s probably going to win a lot of games, will be massive for him.

We wish Downes all the best at Southampton but the big reason behind this deal is more than likely to grease the wheels in signing Ward-Prowse on a permanent basis.