West Ham United eye Kyle Walker-Peters transfer as difficult Southampton exit mooted
West Ham United and Southampton’s swap deal for Kyle Walker-Peters and Flynn Downes will be “difficult” to do, according to Alex Crook.
The talkSPORT journalist reported via X on Friday (28 June) that the move which will see Walker-Peters head to the London Stadium and Downes St Mary’s could happen this summer, but won’t be easy to complete.
Reports emerged suggesting the Irons had entered talks with the Saints over a move for the versatile right back [The Telegraph, 28 June] and he is understood to have already agreed to move to East London [Fabrizio Romano, 28 June].
Will West Ham United sell Flynn Downes to Southampton in summer transfer window?
These sorts of transfers always tend to come with a lot of moving parts as not only do the two sides have to come to some sort of an agreement, but both players have to be open and willing to move for a deal to be reached that suits all parties.
Walker-Peters seems very open to becoming a West Ham player so that is one box ticked, but it remains to be seen if Downes is as eager to return to the south coast having impressed on loan in the Championship last term.
Even if personal terms are agreed, valuations have to be met between the two clubs for the deal to take place. As Crook suggests, it won’t be as cut and dry as some will think, but that doesn’t mean that it won’t happen.
Julen Lopetegui is eager to strengthen his backline this summer and a new fullback will be a large part of that transformation. If he is as keen on Walker-Peters as has been suggested, the Irons should do all they can to sign him.
Hopefully, a deal can be reached that suits everyone in equal measure. It may not happen as quickly as some fans would like, however.
In other West Ham news, Serhou Guirassy is understood to be open to a move to the Premier League after a Borussia Dortmund update emerged
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