Southampton is still battling for promotion to the Premier League this season.
The Saints’ promotion campaign resumed on Saturday afternoon with a dramatic 4-3 victory over Birmingham City.
They are still fourth in the table, five points back of the automatic promotion places.
As a result, it may be some time before we learn what division Russell Martin’s team will play in during the 2024/25 season.
Nonetheless, Southampton appears to be planning for this summer’s transfer window regardless.
Now it appears that those plans for when the market reopens will include one player who is currently on loan at St Mary’s.
Southampton want permanent Flynn Downes deal
According to The Athletic’s West Ham correspondent Roshane Thomas, Southampton would prioritise the permanent signing of Flynn Downes during the summer transfer window.
Downes is currently on loan to St Mary’s from the Hammers. This transfer reunites him with Martin, with whom he previously played at Swansea City.
That loan move now includes the opportunity to buy. The Premier League club is alleged to have been reluctant to adopt such a clause.
Southampton, on the other hand, appears to be determined to complete the transaction.
Downes’ contract with West Ham runs for just over three years. This assures his future at The London Stadium till the end of the 2026/27 season.
Saints will want this deal done
If Southampton can finalize the permanent signing of Downes, it will be a very good business move.
Martin described the midfielder as ‘immense’ early in the season.
It should also be mentioned that Downes missed all five games of the club’s recent four-game losing streak due to injury.
That demonstrates how important it could be for Southampton to keep the midfielder on the long term.
Admittedly, the fact that his contract with his parent club is so long means that West Ham are well-positioned to negotiate any offer made by the Saints.
However, the Hammers have plenty more options in the middle of their midfield. Meanwhile, Downes struggled to get game time at London Stadium last season.
Both sides may so be open to this move. Indeed, the opportunity to continue playing at a club where he knows he will be given opportunities and under a management he knows should make this an appealing contract for Downes.
With that in mind, this is one piece of business Southampton should try to accomplish as the market reopened.
