EXTRA TIME

New Signing at West Ham

July 8, 2022 at 4:37 am Leave a comment

West Ham have announced the signing of midfielder Flynn Downes who could be the new Mark Noble and his career step from the Championship to West Ham one like Jarrod Bowen‘s three years ago.

The 23-year-old, a lifelong Hammer who is pictured on West Ham’s website in the club’s new away kit, joins the Club from Championship Club Swansea City on a five-year contract, with a further one-year option, for an undisclosed fee which is said to be around £9m, but the deal could be worth up to £14m with add-ons. The midfielder had been expected to join Crystal Palace, although the Hammers acted swiftly to secure Flynn’s services.

The Brentwood-born player is a product of Ipswich Town’s Academy and has played for Ipswich, Luton and Swansea so far. He is described as “a gifted passer, strong tackler and combative all-round player who is already closing in on 150 career appearances”. The 23-year-old “completed 92.6% of his 2,465 attempted passes in the EFL Championship last season”, giving him the highest pass-completion rate in England’s top four divisions in 2021/22, ahead of West Ham United’s Declan Rice in second with 91.6%.

Downes has been earmarked by manager David Moyes as a player with the potential to shine at Premier League level. Hoping that the West Ham manager will be right, Jarrod Bowen’s career springs to mind. The right winger was signed by David Moyes three years ago from Championship club Hull City and came to West Ham almost at the same age (some months before his 23rd birthday) as Flynn (who turned 23 in January 2022).

Flynn Downs is a former England U20 international and has always been a supporter of West Ham United.

“It’s a surreal feeling to have joined my boyhood Club,” said Downes, who will wear the No12 shirt. “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.”

West Ham’s new midfield player is pictured in the Irons’ new black away kit which has been presented lately in this video:

The 2022/23 away kit which was launched alongside Hammers fan Newham-born rapper Guvna B takes inspiration from the Hammers’ roots deep in the heart of the capital’s vibrant East End.

Its black body is complemented by Sleeve accents of White, Pink and Sky Blue, whose patterns are inspired by the 100-year-old ship slipway at Thames Ironworks, which was uncovered in the construction of the recently-opened Elizabeth line, and give a fresh look to the kits which Hammers everywhere will wear on their travels this season.

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