Southampton midfielder Flynn Downes has published a statement to his social media. One 5-word message has fans jumping for joy.
Such is the nature of being relegated to the Championship, Southampton fans are bracing to lose some of their best players this summer. Especially those who are young and English could leave for a hefty price tag, even given the current market conditions.
One player who probably won't be leaving, though, is Flynn Downes. The former Ipswich Town player who helped Southampton push for promotion last season, might just do so again in the new campaign. That's if fans are reading between the lines of his latest statement correctly.
Southampton star drops 5-word message and fans are buzzing with hope
According to a report from the Daily Echo, Flynn Downes appears to have committed his future to Southampton in a statement released to Instagram. Quoted by the Echo, Downes said:
"Saints. Been a tough year to say the least! Nowhere near the levels we set ourselves, and a massive learning curve for all of us."
"Can’t thank yous enough for your continued support throughout the season. It didn’t go unnoticed one bit, and hopefully we can pay that loyalty back next year."
"Next season, we go again."
It's that last line, "next season, we go again" which has Southampton fans hooked. Despite only being five letters, it seems to have solidified his decision, unless he's entirely miscommunicating and mis-selling hope. Let's hope not.
Downes has cracked the Championship code once before, so he's probably not too big for his boots. He'd relish the opportunity to make a name for himself in the English second flight once again, and win back the love that was never lost by Southampton supporters.
Downes has already suffered his fair share of Southampton setbacks. Of course, he was completely out of favour for a large chunk of this season, but he ended it strongly. Under Will Still, he could be a big player.
Under contract until 2028, Southampton fans should have no concerns about Downes' future.