West Ham have completed the signing of Swansea midfielder Flynn Downes on a five-year contract for a deal understood to be worth around £12million.
The 23-year-old joined the Swans from League One side Ipswich last summer on an initial four-year deal but is now on the move once again after excelling in south Wales and attracting plenty of transfer interest from Premier League clubs, including the Hammers.
The Brentwood-born central midfielder made his senior debut at Ipswich in 2017 and went on to make 99 appearances in all competitions for the club. Last season he played 32 games for Swansea in the Championship as they finished 15th under Russell Martin, ending the campaign with the best pass-completion percentage of all midfielders in the second division.
READ MORE: West Ham youngster Archie Woods dreaming of first team debut after signing professional contract
The Swans had already braced themselves for offers this summer for Downes, with Wolves, Southampton and Crystal Palace among the early contenders to take him to the top flight. At one point, Patrick Vieira's Eagles seemed to be leading the race for his signature before West Ham made their interest known, with the lifelong Hammers fan not needing to think twice about where he wanted to play.
"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.
"I want to be the best I can be, and this feels like the perfect opportunity to test myself against the very best players in the Premier League. Players have come to West Ham from the Championship and progressed to international honours. That's something you can't ignore. The manager's track record of bringing players through was a big motivation in me joining the club. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to be a West Ham player."
Swansea's announcement of Flynne's departure was met with disappointment from the club's fans, with the midfielder becoming a firm favourite with the supporters during his one and only campaign in south Wales.
The Swans' official account wrote on social media: "Swansea City midfielder @flynn_downes has joined @westham for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance. Thank you for everything and all the best, Flynn." Downes responded: "Can't thank you enough for everything. Gonna miss ya's. Once a Jack, always a Jack. #YJB." (sic)
READ NEXT:
Mark Warburton explains decision to replace Stuart Pearce as West Ham coach under David Moyes
New West Ham ace names 'humble' member of David Moyes' staff as key reason for him signing
Why West Ham rejected Nayef Aguerd shirt number request as transfer confirmed
Thomas Tuchel's stance on Armando Broja significant as West Ham plan £30m bid for Chelsea star
Lukasz Fabianski signs new West Ham contract as David Moyes continues squad rebuild
