Southampton will be gutted if Flynn Downes transfer can't happen after new comments: View | OneFootball

It is a huge week for Southampton as they continue their quest to make an immediate return to the Premier League.

Southampton suffered disappointment as they missed out on automatic promotion following a run of three defeats from their last four league games, but they have another chance to seal a return to the top flight through the play-offs.

The Saints played out a 0-0 draw with West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns in their semi-final first leg on Sunday, and they will host the Baggies in the second leg at St Mary's on Friday night.

Midfielder Flynn Downes put in another excellent performance against Albion, and the West Ham United loanee's post-match comments about his future will certainly have pleased Southampton supporters.

Flynn Downes on potential Southampton return

Downes says that he has enjoyed his time at Southampton, and he revealed he would be keen to return to the club next season, although he admitted he is unsure where his long-term future lies.

Asked by the Daily Echo how much he would like to remain at St Mary's, Downes said: "Of course.

"I love it here. I love the gaffer. I love the staff. I love this place. Obviously, we will have to see what happens.

"I won't know too much until I go back to West Ham. We will see what happens there."

The midfielder has starred for the Saints since arriving on loan in August, and given that he has expressed his desire to stay, supporters will be particularly disappointed if the club do not secure a permanent deal for him this summer.

Southampton must do everything possible to seal Flynn Downes return

After impressing for Swansea City in the Championship, Downes joined West Ham for a fee of around £12 million in July 2022.

Downes made 35 appearances for the Hammers in all competitions last season, and he was part of their Europa Conference League-winning squad, but many of his minutes came as a substitute.

The 25-year-old was allowed to join Southampton on loan in August, reuniting with manager Russell Martin after working with him previously at Swansea, and he has proven to be an outstanding signing.

Downes is integral to Martin's system, and his excellent technical ability makes him perfectly suited to the Saints' possession-based style of play, underlined by his impressive passing accuracy rate of 93%.

The midfielder's influence is clear to see, and Southampton won just two of the 10 league games they played without Downes this season, drawing two and losing six.

Martin is in no doubt about Downes' importance to the team, and he conceded that it is crucial the club bring him back next season.

"Flynn, yeah, I told you before I think he's the best in the league," Martin told 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."

The Hammers are set to appoint Julen Lopetegui as David Moyes' replacement, and as the Spaniard will be tasked with implementing a more progressive style of play at the club, he could give Downes a chance.

Should Lopetegui decide that Downes is not part of his plans, Southampton would surely be in pole position to re-sign him given his strong relationship with Martin, but he is under contract at the London Stadium until the summer of 2027, so West Ham will likely demand a big fee, which could prove to be a stumbling block.

Saints supporters will be desperately hoping to see Downes back at the club next season, and his comments have given them plenty of reason for optimism, but the board must now ensure they get a deal over the line.