Julen Lopetegui slowing down Southampton transfer for West Ham United man Flynn Downes
Julen Lopetegui being appointed as West Ham manager is slowing down Southampton’s move for Flynn Downes and Kyle Walter-Peters’ potential switch in the opposite direction, according to BBC reporter Adam Blackmore.
Blackmore was discussing the potential deals with presenter Jordan Clark live on BBC Radio Solent [9 July], stating that the transition to a new era at the London Stadium is part of what is delaying movement.
It is thought that Walker-Peters, into the final year of his Southampton contract, could go the other way in a permanent deal for Downes to leave West Ham for Saints on a permanent deal after impressing on loan during the club’s promotion back to the Premier League.
It is, however, known that Lopetegui – while having a major contribution on transfers – is not leading the player recruitment process, with Tim Steidten travelling abroad in recent weeks to attempt to secure new arrivals.
“Southampton are going to keep trying to buy Downes, and the change of management with Lopetegui has slowed that down, affecting Walker-Peters,” Blackmore explained.
“The angle of Walker-Peters potentially going in a swap deal for Downes is one that everyone’s talking about.
“If Walker-Peters has to go to West Ham as a makeweight for Downes, then Southampton need right-backs.”
Flynn Downes departure can open door for Kyle Walker-Peters to West Ham
With Downes currently with the Hammers squad in pre-season, there have been no major developments in a potential swap deal.
But the midfielder has made it clear he is open to re-joining Southampton, where he enjoyed a successful loan spell as the club returned to the Premier League, while Russell Martin’s new contract will have reinforced his desire to return to St. Mary’s.
As for Walker-Peters, at 27 and with Premier League experience, he would fit the bill nicely for Lopetegui’s side, particularly after the club could not strike a new deal with Ben Johnson, who has signed for Ipswich Town.
Walker-Peters could now be seeking a new challenge and the deal is made feasible by his contract expiring next year.
The two transfers may be done separately in the books to benefit both clubs’ records for PSR purposes.
In other West Ham news, Nayef Aguerd’s wage demands are reportedly holding back his departure.
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