SAINTS have completed the signing of another one of manager Russell Martin’s former players with the addition of Flynn Downes.

The midfielder joins on loan from West Ham United after a Europa Conference League-winning season with his boyhood club.

Downes should enter the squad immediately this weekend for the Championship match against QPR amid an injury worry to Will Smallbone.

Here is everything you need to know about Southampton’s likely next debutant…

Who is Flynn Downes?

Daily Echo:

Flynn Downes, 24, is a composed defensive midfielder who has also operated in several other positions before nailing down his role at the base of a midfield.

West Ham United’s Downes was born in Brentwood, Essex, on January 20, 1999, joining Ipswich Town’s academy at seven years old.

Downes ranks highly on pass completion stats, while his average shot distance (14.5 yards) and low rank for shots total indicate he rarely tries his luck from range.

He is a West Ham supporter and landed his move to his boyhood club last summer after impressing in one Championship season under boss Martin at Swansea City.

Downes is also an avid reader and had incorporated 30 minutes of reading immediately after waking up into his morning routine, while he and captain Matt Grimes were often the first to turn up to training.

His career so far

Downes spent over 10 years in the Ipswich Town academy before breaking into the first team in 2017, signing a first professional contract in June of that year.

Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy was so impressed that, just two months later, he gave Downes a three-year extension. Downes also spent part of the season at League Two Luton Town.

Downes made 29 appearances in the 2018-19 season as the Portman Road side were relegated from the Championship, totalling 99 club matches before joining Swansea in summer 2021.

Downes then had his breakout campaign under Martin, making 37 Championship appearances, scoring once and assisting twice, while leading many Championship stats.

He was top one per cent for touches, passes and carries compared to positional rivals and in the top 30 per cent for take-ons.

Meanwhile, he was in the lower 40 per cent for tackles but much higher for interceptions and clearances. After a bid from Crystal Palace was also accepted, West Ham then paid around £10million for his services in July 2022.

Downes made 35 appearances under David Moyes last season, including six Premier League starts, and featuring heavily as the Hammers won European silverware.

Despite being just 24 years old, he already has 160 league appearances under his belt and has played in all of England’s top four divisions.

Downes was also an England youth international, playing alongside Jadon Sancho, Phil Foden, Mason Mount and Reece James while still a teenager and later receiving six under-20 caps between 2018-2019.

What has Downes said?

Daily Echo:

Speaking to Swansea about playing under Martin, Downes said: “Other teams don’t do this so even in training it’s a lot harder, you have to work a lot harder off the ball.

“Obviously, on the ball you’ve got it more so you can chill out a bit – but it’s not chilling out, it’s making movement for everyone.

It’s very tough and it has been tough to get used to but I think we all love it – and if the boys all love it you’ve got to stick with it”

When asked about his game, Downes added: “If it’s raining and not cold, that’s perfect conditions. I can put a few big tackles in, that’s perfect.

“Work harder than the rest is the best advice I’ve been given and has been the mindset I’ve had since I was little, that’s something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.”

Speaking to Evening Standard last summer, upon signing for West Ham, Downes insisted: “Don’t get me wrong, it’s my dream to play here but it’s my career and I’ve got to do what’s best for me.

“If I came here and didn’t think it suited then I wouldn’t have come. I can’t wait though — it’ll be a dream come true to play European football.”

Our verdict

Daily Echo: Flynn Downes is a Saint!

Saints have returned to the tried and tested to land an immediate replacement for outgoing captain James Ward-Prowse and Romeo Lavia.

After Swansea ace Ryan Manning and Manchester City youngster Shea Charles, plucked by Jason Wilcox, Downes seems like a no-brainer.

At a young age, Downes is highly experienced in the Football League and is on the cusp of Premier League success with Moyes a known fan.

In the club’s 4-4 draw with Norwich City at the weekend, it became apparent that the back four needed some additional protection – even before Smallbone’s injury.

Downes will slot into the holding role just ahead of the defence and give the likes of Stuart Armstrong and Charly Alcaraz freedom and confidence.

Getting something out of Ward-Prowse leaving for a decent fee was also a must – smart business from a football and financial point of view.