Danny Ings sends message as West Ham United exit confirmed
Danny Ings has reacted via social media after Flynn Downes’ move from West Ham United to Southampton was confirmed.
Downes took to Instagram on Tuesday (16 July) to say his goodbyes following two years at his boyhood club, after signing for Southampton on a four-year deal [Southampton FC].
Downes arrived at the London Stadium from Swansea City in a £12million deal in 2022, going on to make 35 appearances before spending last season on loan with the Saints in the Championship.
Reacting to Downes’ Instagram post, Ings simply commented with a heart emoji, with Conor Coventry and George Earthy doing the same.
Danny Ings reacts as Flynn Downes leaves West Ham United
Downes’ dream move to the London Stadium has not worked out how many would have hoped, though it is nice to see him happy at another club following his loan spell.
The midfielder was an integral part of Russell Martin’s squad last term, helping the Saints to earn promotion to the Premier League after beating Leeds United in the Championship play-off final.
He quickly became a fan favourite at St Mary’s Stadium, playing 37 matches in all competitions and securing a move back to the newly promoted side.
Despite a stellar first season in Claret and Blue, David Moyes clearly had other plans for the 25-year-old, even though accounting for the lack of defensive midfielders in the squad after his loan departure.
His move to Southampton meant Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips had to be signed during the January transfer window – a move that never worked out.
Fans will never be able to find out how Downes would have developed under Julen Lopetegui’s guidance, though he would have likely succeeded.
Either way, everyone at West Ham wishes him well in his next adventure.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers have been handed a boost in their quest to sign Aaron Wan-Bissaka amid a £17million transfer development.
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