West Ham United open door for new signing as Flynn Downes profit-maker wrapped up
Dan Bardell believes West Ham will have more flexibility in the transfer market after selling Flynn Downes to Southampton.
After spending last season on loan in the Championship, Russell Martin admitted he would “cry himself to sleep” if the Saints didn’t sign him [Daily Echo].
The newly promoted manager’s dream has come true after Hammers have now confirmed that the 25-year-old had joined them in an announcement via X on 16 July.
Sky Sports and talkSPORT journalist Bardell has suggested that West Ham will be happy to sell the Englishman to make a profit this summer.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, Bardell said: “It looks like a deal that will suit all parties.
“If West Ham were willing to let him go out on loan, Downes probably didn’t have a future with the club which has let him develop well.
“In the end, he’s gone and the Hammers have made a profit on the money that they spent on him from Swansea.
“The sale could give them greater flexibility in the transfer market to refresh the midfield with maybe a more established Premier League player.
“I think they will be happy with the deal overall and chalk it off as a successful and profitable transfer“
West Ham sell Flynn Downes to Southampton
The defensive-minded midfielder flourished in the second tier on loan last season as the Saints confirmed promotion.
It was clear that Martin wanted to bring Downes back to St Mary’s on a permanent deal ahead of a return to the Premier League.
Ahead of his first season as a top-flight manager, the former MK Dons boss has brought the 25-year-old in for £18m [BBC Sport]
The Hammers signed the lifelong Irons supporter for £12m from Swansea City in 2022 [Sky Sports] and have now made a £6m profit.
Now Julen Lopetegui may delve into the transfer market to add a new midfield option to his side ahead of his side’s opening game against Aston Villa.
In other West Ham news, Aaron Wan-Bissaka agent approaches David Sullivan ahead of a potential transfer.
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