Flynn Downes may already be regretting his summer switch to Southampton after departing West Ham United.
The 25-year-old midfielder joined the Saints for £18 million following a key role in the club’s promotion from the Championship last season [The Athletic]. Despite growing up a Hammers fan, Downes expressed his enthusiasm for the move to St Mary’s, viewing it as a fresh start.
However, things have not gone according to plan for Southampton since their return to the Premier League. Julen Lopetegui’s side sits 15th after eight matches, with only two teams below them, both with a solitary point.
The Saints are perched just above Wolves on goal difference, struggling to adjust after their play-off success last term. Their most recent outing has only compounded their woes.
Downes Feeling the Impact of West Ham Exit:
In a recent fixture against Leicester City, Southampton threw away a 2-0 lead after goals from Cameron Archer and Joe Aribo had put them in control.
Facundo Buonanotte and Jamie Vardy levelled the game for Leicester before Jordan Ayew delivered a crushing blow, scoring the winner eight minutes into stoppage time.
While Downes is gaining valuable minutes at Southampton, he might wonder if a similar opportunity could have awaited him at West Ham this season.
With Guido Rodriguez and Edson Alvarez struggling to impress in midfield, Tomas Soucek has often been called upon to fill the gap – a scenario where Downes could have thrived.
The Saints’ Premier League future looks far from secure. Although they are not yet in the relegation zone, many observers predict a tough season that could see them finish in the bottom three and return to the Championship.
If Southampton do go down, Downes could find himself trapped outside the top flight.
Unlike previous spells away from West Ham, this is a permanent transfer, meaning he would not have the safety net of returning to the London Stadium to continue playing Premier League football in 2025/26.