Southampton Transfer Update: Club in Advanced Negotiations for FC Köln Striker Damion Downs
Southampton are reportedly in the final stages of talks to secure the signing of Damion Downs, a striker currently playing for FC Köln.
Following a disappointing 2024–25 season in the Premier League, where they finished at the bottom of the table with only 12 points from 38 matches, the Saints are preparing for life back in the Championship. Despite managerial efforts from both Russell Martin and Ivan Juric, the team failed to avoid relegation.
As part of their effort to rebuild and aim for promotion, Southampton have appointed former Reims and Lens manager Will Still to lead the club at St. Mary’s Stadium.
Pursuit of Damion Downs
According to a report from Sky Sports News, Southampton are nearing the signing of Damion Downs and have entered advanced discussions with FC Köln. The Championship club has reportedly submitted an offer worth £6.8 million in an effort to bring the young international to England.
Downs is currently representing the United States in the CONCACAF Gold Cup and helped his team reach the semi-finals. He came on as a substitute in their recent quarterfinal victory over Costa Rica, which was decided by penalties.
Downs’s Profile and Performance
Though he played in Germany’s second division last season, Downs’ performances stood out. He scored 11 goals and recorded four assists across all competitions for FC Köln during the 2024–25 season, including 10 goals in the 2. Bundesliga.
His only season in Germany’s top flight came in 2023–24, during which he scored twice in 10 Bundesliga appearances.
