West Ham have completed the signing of Swansea midfielder Flynn Downes on a five-year contract for a deal understood to be worth around £12million.
Flynn Downes said “It’s a surreal feeling to have joined my boyhood club. I feel like I’m dreaming. It’s been my dream since I was a little boy to join this club – it’s an absolute privilege. This is my club, so I couldn’t be more delighted. I’m glad to be here and I can’t wait to get started. I want to be the best I can be, and this feels like the perfect opportunity to test myself against the very best players in the Premier League. Players have come to West Ham from the Championship and progressed to international honours. That’s something you can’t ignore. The manager’s track record of bringing players through was a big motivation in me joining the club. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be a West Ham player.”
Swansea’s announcement of Flynne’s departure was met with disappointment from the club’s fans, with the midfielder becoming a firm favourite with the supporters during his one and only campaign in south Wales. The Swans’ official account wrote on social media: “Swansea City midfielder @flynn_downes has joined @westham for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance. Thank you for everything and all the best, Flynn.” Downes responded: “Can’t thank you enough for everything. Gonna miss ya’s. Once a Jack, always a Jack. #YJB.” (sic)
The 23-year-old joined the Swans from League One side Ipswich last summer on an initial four-year deal but is now on the move once again after excelling in south Wales and attracting plenty of transfer interest from Premier League clubs, including the Hammers. The Brentwood-born central midfielder made his senior debut at Ipswich in 2017 and went on to make 99 appearances in all competitions for the club. Last season he played 32 games for Swansea in the Championship as they finished 15th under Russell Martin, ending the campaign with the best pass-completion percentage of all midfielders in the second division.
