Southampton sign midfielder Downes from West Ham

Southampton have confirmed the permanent signing of midfielder Flynn Downes from West Ham.

The 25-year-old, who spent last season on loan at St Mary's, returns after signing a four-year contract.

Downes made 37 appearances for Southampton in 2023-24, scoring twice, as he helped them earn promotion back to the Premier League via the play-offs.

"We’re thrilled to bring Flynn back," said manager Russell Martin. "It was a big priority for us this summer and to get it done early in pre-season is also really important for us.

“He was such an influential player for us last season, both on and off the pitch. He’s a brilliant character, he’s aggressive and physical in his play, technically excellent with the ball and a fantastic athlete too."

Downes, who joined West Ham from Swansea in the summer of 2022, played 35 times for the Hammers prior to joining Southampton.

“Being a part of it last year, it was so good," Downes said. "The whole club, the people, I think everything about it is so special.

“I feel like when you connect with people like that, such genuine people, and I'm talking about the whole club here, it's so hard not to want to be a part of that."

Downes is Southampton's seventh signing since they were promoted from the Championship and their second in three days after the arrival of Yukinari Sugawara from AZ Alkmaar.