West Ham United are reportedly open to letting Flynn Downes go

Lopetegui willing to sign off star on West Ham transfer

West Ham United are reportedly open to letting Flynn Downes go, while Southampton remains keen on securing a permanent transfer for him. Russell Martin’s transfer efforts may find success due to Julen Lopetegui’s transfer strategies.

Lopetegui has reportedly given Flynn Downes the green light to negotiate a permanent transfer to Southampton if they meet West Ham’s surprisingly low asking price of £12 million.

Downes, a West Ham supporter aged 25, played for the south England team in the 2023/24 season, contributing to their promotion back to the Premier League with 33 appearances. His standout performances have caught the attention of Southampton, who are eager to secure him on a permanent basis.

Whilst in East London playing for the Irons, the central midfielder found game time hard to come by, having featured just 35 times most of which were as substitute.

Downes is poised to face robust competition for midfield positions in the upcoming season with the return of Freddie Potts and the determined push from Lewis Orford to solidify his place in the squad. This dynamic adds an interesting layer to the potential transfer scenario involving Downes.

While Southampton’s interest in securing Downes on a permanent deal is clear, West Ham must weigh their options carefully, especially considering the broader context of their midfield composition. Sanctioning Downes’ transfer to Southampton may not be the most prudent move at this juncture, primarily due to Manchester United’s keen interest in acquiring Edson Alvarez.

Alvarez’s potential move to Manchester United introduces a significant variable into West Ham’s decision-making process. Should Alvarez join United, it could potentially alleviate the midfield competition at West Ham, creating a more manageable situation for Downes to assert himself.

Moreover, Alvarez’s own stance on the transfer adds an element of uncertainty. His lack of discouragement regarding Manchester United’s interest indicates that a move could be a realistic possibility. This uncertainty surrounding Alvarez’s future further complicates the situation for West Ham.

Therefore, it could be judicious for West Ham to adopt a cautious approach and wait to see how the situation with Alvarez unfolds before making a final decision on Downes’ transfer.

This approach allows them to assess the full landscape of their midfield options and make an informed decision that aligns with the club’s long-term objectives and squad dynamics.