Why Flynn Downes would be a future investment for Crystal Palace
As per East Anglican Daily Times, Crystal Palace are interested in signing Ipswich Town star Flynn Downes in the on-going transfer window.
Downes, 21, is a product of Ipswich Town. After impressing with the club’s youth sides, he was promoted to the senior set-up in the summer of 2017. He enjoyed his breakthrough that season but was sent on loan to Luton Town the following January.
Since returning to his parent club, the youngster has been a crucial member of the squad. Despite the team not performing at its best, Downes has been brilliant and has shown immense potential in the last two seasons. His impressive performances have also attracted the attention of Arsenal and West Ham, who are also keen on securing the youngster’s services, as per the report.
The Eagles, meanwhile, managed just 1 point in the last 8 league games. This shows how poor they have been in the last couple of months. They were in the top half of the table at one point but their disastrous performances pushed them to 14th position when the league ended on Sunday.
This must be a major concern for Palace boss Roy Hodgson as his men weren’t capable of being consistent throughout the campaign. Thus, he needs to bring in reinforcements to the squad if they are to pick themselves and do better next season.
Downes could be a future leader in Crystal Palace’s midfield
At the moment, only three attack-minded midfielders are available at Hodgson’s disposal. While James McArthur contributed with just 4 assists in 37 games, James McCarthy failed to score or assist throughout the campaign. Only Jeffrey Schlupp managed to score 3 goals and 2 assists in 17 games despite struggling with a hip injury for the majority of the campaign.
As a result, the Eagles managed just 31 goals in 38 games, which is the second-lowest in the league this season. Only Norwich scored fewer goals than them. This shows that the lack of quality from the midfielders led to their downfall. Thus, a midfielder is a must in the summer with a view for the future.
In that regard, signing Downes would be a good move by the club. The youngster has impressed in League One this season and has shown immense potentials of making it big at the highest level. In 29 games, he managed to notch up just 2 goals and 1 assist but he has been one of their best players and could only get better if he is guided properly.
His inclusion to Hodgson’s squad would help them stock up their midfield for the future as McArthur, who is already 32, has just one year left on his contract with the club. And Downes could take over from the former Scottish international.
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Verdict
It is clear that Palace are in dire need of a midfielder for the future and Downes would definitely add some much-needed depth to the squad. And if he is able to develop himself and continue with the good form, he could go on to be their leader in the midfield in the future. Thus, the Eagles should lure the 21-year-old to Selhurst Park this summer.
