Southampton: Russell Martin responds to permanent West Ham transfer questions | OneFootball

The midfielder has been a key figure for the Saints this year, having signed on loan from West Ham.

The Saints have struggled for form in the latter stages of the campaign, with the 25-year-old having been absent through injury at times.

The Hampshire outfit have earned just two wins from their last 10 games without him in the team, so supporters will be keen to see him remain fit for their play-off battle over the next few weeks.

Downes’ long-term future has yet to be decided but perhaps gaining top flight promotion could help Southampton secure a permanent deal with West Ham for the player.

Russell Martin gives Flynn Downes update

Martin has claimed that Downes is the best the Championship has to offer, admitting the team has struggled without him.

He is hopeful that his performance against Leeds United last weekend is a sign that he is physically ready for the play-offs.

"Flynn, yeah, I told you before I think he's the best in the league,” said Martin, via the Daily Echo.

"This team has missed him so much when he hasn't played. We haven't been quite able to replace him when he has not played.

"I thought we all stepped up and Joe Rothwell came on at Leeds and was brilliant when Flynn did go off the pitch.

"But Flynn is really important and last weekend there were really important minutes for him. He got through it and now he'll be good."

Any decision over Downes’ future will likely have to wait until Southampton’s own league status for next year is known.

The Saints finished fourth in the Championship table, and will now compete against West Brom in the semi-finals of the post-season promotion shootout.

Downes has featured 33 times in the league for Southampton so far this season, contributing two goals and two assists (all stats from Fbref).

The midfielder struggled for game time during his first season with West Ham, leading to him taking the drop back down to the second tier.

He had signed for the Hammers in 2022 from Swansea City, where he had previously worked with Martin.

The pair reunited last summer, and they will now both be hoping to guide the Saints to promotion to the Premier League.

Southampton travel to the Hawthorns for the first leg of their semi-final clash with West Brom on 12 May.

Permanent move for Downes would be smart business

Downes has been impressive for Southampton this season, getting back to his best football again after a difficult time with West Ham.

David Moyes’ departure further calls into question the future of the player at the London Stadium.

It remains to be seen whether Julen Lopetegui will have any use for Downes in his first team plans next year.

But a permanent move to Southampton would make a lot of sense if the club gains promotion to the Premier League, as he is guaranteed consistent game time in Martin’s side.