Swansea City are in the firing line of several premier league clubs leading on from our reports in the last few days. The national press have seriously underlined the benefits that Flynn Downes brings to any squad, and the belief is he can step up to the premier league with little problem.
Kieron Dyer who was employed at Ipswich within the under 23 set up recently commented "I’m telling you now, Flynn Downes will go for ten million pounds this summer to a Premier League club.” A bold statement which as it stands today is looking like it could come true. Russell Martin has also stated Flynn is ‘incredible and a workaholic’ he averaged an incredible 92.6% pass completion rate in the league, highlighting his class on the ball.
Swansea City have put a valuation of around twelve million pounds on Downes but the likelihood is he could go for far less. However, Russell Martin has already proven that the swans won’t be selling cheap after his dialogue with Peterborough United was cut off at source by the swans after Barry Fry went bragging to the media on goalkeeper Steven Benda.
Flynn Downes has proven his flexibility in a holding and attacking midfield position this season and only a few weeks ago it seemed he was happy to stay at Swansea and get the club promoted. Unfortunately for swans fans the list of clubs interested in him, plus the fact they could go in to a bidding war to secure Flynn means he could now have his head turned. The issue for him is with Wolves, Crystal Palace and Southampton all confirmed as making ‘tentative’ inquiries and press speculation on Leeds United is he could be forced in to a decision sooner rather than later. His wages would be easily quadrupled at any of the premier league clubs mentioned, plus a three year contract would give him security throughout his prime years.
That aside, if he performs in the top flight as he has for the swans then Dyer’s prediction for success for Downes is guaranteed. There are though a few things for him to consider. The main one now has to be ‘Is the leap from league one only a year ago to the premier league this time around something he could manage’ ? Selection in any first eleven in the premier league isn’t guaranteed and as we have seen with numerous players they can quickly fall out of favour and be forgotten in the desire to retain premier league status. That’s another thought as well, all the teams mentioned shouldn’t be too far away from relegation, or at least not dead certs for anything more than that. Connor Roberts left the swans last season for Burnley and now finds himself in the championship. Ollie McBurnie too is in the same position.
The only safety net both these players have is their salary, and without doubt there would have been relegation clauses written in to any contract. For us it’s far too soon for Flynn Downes to leave the swans, it’s a huge gamble for him, but if the right offer comes in it’s almost nailed on he would leave. Only a plea to stay at the club, if listened to, would possibly see him retained. Other clubs do know the swans are keen to boost their coffers, both to put a dent in what is currently a very moderate cash shortfall, and for reinvestment. The club would have to utilise those funds to bring in other targets, and they have to be as good as Flynn Downes or the whole exercise is pointless.
We still believe Ollie Cooper is as good a player than any to operate in midfield for the swans or act as back up to a potential signing in Joe Allen. Then again Cameron Congreve is another player in attacking midfield we also think is someone who could also do the same. Both as midfielders, like Downes will have to display their flexibility in midfield because fixed formations isn’t Russell Martin’s way. And it never has been.
To see Flynn in such a high profile media situation today will almost certainly mean the swans will want this issue sorted so replacements can be made.
More news as we get it on Swansea Independent.
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