Southampton loanee Ryan Fraser has been enjoying himself since helping the Saints secure promotion on Sunday.
Southampton enjoyed a glorious afternoon at Wembley, as they beat Leeds United 1-0 to ensure their return to the top flight at the first attempt.
Russell Martin‘s side took a 24th-minute lead through Adam Armstrong, who has been a shining light this season, before defending resolutely to see out the game.
With celebrations continuing long into the night – and even well into Monday – Southampton players could be forgiven for not thinking too much about the future right now.
However, two loanees have implied they know what that may hold with a social media exchange.
Ryan Fraser teases Flynn Downes over Southampton future
Southampton have already made their first signing of the summer, with Taylor Harwood-Bellis‘ future wrapped up alongside promotion.
That is because the terms of his loan deal from Manchester City stipulated that if the Saints are promoted then they can sign the 22-year-old for £20 million.
Now, though, Southampton will want to quickly wrap up the future of two more loan players who have been integral to promotion and were again crucial at Wembley.
Flynn Downes has quickly become a fan favourite with his all action displays, whilst Ryan Fraser‘s experience and willingness to work for his side have earned the appreciation of the supporters.
Following promotion, Fraser posted a series of pictures from Southampton’s promotion celebrations on Instagram with a heartfelt caption that included: “I can’t thank you all enough for the support and making this year one of the best of my life!”
The Scot ended the post with: “Who knows what this summer will bring hopefully we can spend next season together making more history but if not then I wish nothing but the best for this club going forward.”
Flynn Downes responded to the post with “WEEEEEEEEEE” and a heart, in reference to Fraser’s nickname ‘Wee Man’ before Fraser replied “I’ll pick you you up on route to St Mary’s” with an emoji of someone holding a pen, hinting at a contract being signed.
Downes responded in a way that hints that may well be exactly what he is planning to do in a move that will delight Saints fans.
Southampton should get Fraser and Downes futures wrapped up as soon as possible
Signing Downes permanently would have been the priority regardless of promotion, but the jump to the Premier League should make it easier to sign the West Ham United man.
Martin has labelled the midfielder the ‘best in the league’ and he is crucial to the way Southampton want to play.
Whilst Fraser’s impact is not quite as great as that of Downes, he has played an important role this season and showed another side to his game in the play-offs as he played as a left wing-back at times.
Martin knows what he is getting from Fraser and he trusts the 30-year-old to carry out his instructions.
That, coupled with his experience of the top flight, could be crucial in Southampton’s bid to stay in the Premier League next season.
West Ham’s incoming manager Julen Lopetegui could complicate matters somewhat regarding Downes’ signing, but Fraser has no future at Newcastle United and should be cheap given he has just one year left on his deal.
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