West Ham: David Moyes tips Flynn Downes to follow in Jarrod Bowen’s footsteps as another Championship bargain

West Ham

David Moyes has backed new signing Flynn Downes to follow in the footsteps of Jarrod Bowen in taking his Championship form into the Premier League with West Ham.

Midfielder Downes became Moyes’ third major signing of the summer on Thursday, joining from Swansea in a deal worth an initial £9million.

Moyes has made a habit of recruiting from the lower leagues throughout his career and signed Bowen from Hull only a month into his second spell as Hammers boss, in January 2020.

The winger enjoyed a terrific season last term, earning a nomination for the Premier League player of the Year award, as well as his first England call-up at the end of the campaign.

“We think [Downes] has got good energy,” Moyes said, explaining the signing. “We think he's got a lot of things which we have about our team, which we would want to keep and want to add to. I'm looking forward to it.

“We brought Jarrod Bowen from a similar situation at Hull, so we're always trying to find boys from the Championship who we think are going to step up to become Premier League players. I'm hoping that Flynn does. I think there's a good chance as he's got an awful lot of good attributes.”

West Ham are this afternoon set to kick-off their preseason with a friendly against Swiss side Servette in Geneva. Downes, who is a boyhood West Ham fan, will not be involved, instead linking up with his new teammates when they return to Rush Green after the match.

The 23-year-old will be joined by the likes of Declan Rice and Bowen, along with the rest of the club’s internationals, who were given extra time off after their late finish to the season.

“It’s been my dream since I was a little boy to join this club - it’s an absolute privilege,” he told the club website. “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.

“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.”

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