Flynn Downes’ season long loan at Southampton came to the perfect end as the Saints won the Championship Play Off final against Leeds to secure their promotion back to the Premier League.

Adam Armstrong’s first half goal was enough to seal a Play Off win for Russell Martin’s side. Downes, who spent the 23/24 campaign with the south coast club, put in an excellent display at Wembley, winning seven tackles and making a goal saving block to keep out an effort from Summerville in the second half.

During his loan spell at Southampton, Downes made 37 appearances scoring two goals and providing three assists, and finished the season with a Play Off final winners medal around his neck.

The 25 year old impressed for his former Swansea boss Russel Martin’s side and became one of the first names on Southampton’s team sheet. Martin was full of praise for the Hammers midfielder, referring to him as the ‘best in the league’.

The boyhood West Ham fan made 35 appearances in all competitions, appearing in 11 of the Hammer’s 15 Conference League ties as he was part of the squad that lifted the trophy on that famous night in Prague last summer.

There are expected to be discussions soon about Downes’s future at West Ham, with new boss Julen Lopetegui’s arrival confirmed, time will tell whether he will decide to give Downes a chance or stick with the midfield options at his disposal of Edson Alvarez, James Ward Prowse and Tomas Soucek.

Southampton are thought to be interested in signing Downes on a permanent basis this summer. West Ham may decide to keep Downes to help boost their home grown quota. It remains to be seen whether the club will decide to cash in on the 25 year old, with his stocks high after an excellent season in the Championship, or whether he will be given a clean slate and a fresh opportunity to impress new manager Julen Lopetegui in order to try and work his way into his plans for the 24/25 Premier League season.