Russell Martin won't be crying himself to sleep tonight after Saints confirmed that they have signed Flynn Downes on a permanent basis after his superb season on loan, where he became a key player in the Saints promotion campaign.
The message on Saints Official Website was clear and simple and what all Southampton supporters wanted to hear.
"Southampton Football Club is delighted to announce it has completed the permanent signing of Flynn Downes from West Ham United."
Downes has signed on a four year deal and will arrive just in time to join the rest of the squad as they travel to Spain for their training camp and two behind closed doors friendlies.
The total price is believed to be £18 million but that includes add ons
Speaking on Sky Sports, Vai Bhardwaj said:
"Southampton have signed West Ham midfielder Flynn Downes in a £15million deal.
"The fee also includes £3million in add-ons. Downes spent last season on loan at St Mary’s and made 37 appearances in all competitions as Southampton were promoted back to the Premier League.”
Russell Martin had this to say:
"We’re thrilled to bring Flynn back. 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.
"He built really strong relationships with the rest of the players and the staff, and I think you could tell the connection he created with the fans throughout last season, so I’m sure everyone’s delighted at the news.
"I know how excited and hungry he is about making the step up to the Premier League with us, and he’s someone who I really believe is more than ready for that transition and who can also continue to develop even more with us.”
I would hope that now Downes has arrived on a permanent deal that he is considered for the role of team Captain, he showed that he had many of the characteristics needed last season to fill that role and in truth Saints lacked real leadership on the field and Flynn could be the man to supply it now he is a permanent member of the squad.
So far Southampton FC & Sport Republic have had a composed and structured transfer window, they have struck a balance between youth, old heads and now players at the peak of their game, there is still a little way to go yet, but so far Saints have kept their cards close to their chest and made some good signings, hopefully they are not finished yet.