Flynn Downes may now have to empty West Ham United locker as post-Declan Rice era begins
It’s been a tough season for Flynn Downes at West Ham United and things may well take a turn for the worse as the Hammers begin their assault on the transfer market after Declan Rice’s departure.
The 24-year-old Hammers fan made 21 appearances during the 2022/23 season after his £12m move from Swansea City, however, only a handful of them were from the outset.
He certainly would have expected more game-time after making such a big-money move to the London Stadium last summer and it is certainly looking like a failed move for both parties at present.
Following the developments of the last few days, Downes may well be forgiven for possessing some new-found optimism regarding his West Ham United future.
The Hammers confirmed the departure of Declan Rice (15 July) with the England international officially completing his big-money move to Arsenal this summer, meaning a spot in the West Ham midfield could well have presented itself for the former Swansea man.
However, that dream and ambition look dead in the water for Downes with David Moyes and new technical director Tim Steidten now seemingly making ambitious moves in the market to not only replace the outgoing Rice but also provide telling upgrades on the bit-part West Ham midfielder.
Following Rice’s departure, the Hammers have made Ajax’s Edson Alvarez, Fulham’s Joao Palhinha, Southampton’s James Ward-Prose and Juventus’ Denis Zakaria their top targets to fill the Rice void, and considering the gaping hole Rice’s departure will leave, West Ham United fans must be anticipating Moyes bringing in two or three new midfield additions to compensate for that emotional Rice loss.
The Hammers are reportedly in talks for all three of those aforementioned talks signalling their huge intentions to significantly bolster the West Ham United which now appears that Downes has no future being a part of.
And it now won’t be a surprise to see Downes empty his London Stadium locker in the immediate future and plan his exit route, and according to several reports over the past few weeks, one club have offered him the chance to escape his East London nightmare.
According to The Guardian (6 July) newly-relegated Southampton “desperately” want to sign the midfielder, with West Ham showing “strong interest” in Saints captain Ward-Prowse.
Southampton’s interest in Downes should be welcomed with open arms by West Ham, who could utilise that interest to their advantage to bring Ward-Prowse to the London Stadium.
Downes definitely has the potential to grow at his young age, but there is no doubt that all of the Hammers’ top midfield targets present some attractive opportunities for Moyes to ensure his side are well-stocked with quality and fully prepared to challenge on all fronts next season.
The post-Rice is now very much underway and even if Downes remains at the London Stadium, his game-time may be even more limited than his first campaign which means an exit-route should now be the best cause of action for him.
In other West Ham news, an “incredible” cash boost could head to the Hammers based on this Asian transfer speculation.