Following the ambitious and high-risk, high-reward signing of Will Still as Southampton‘s latest manager, the Hampshire side are eyeing an instant return to the Premier League following a devastating top-flight relegation.
Having strengthened already in the defensive department, with the addition of Joshua Quarshie from TSG Hoffenheim – in a deal of around £3 million, Southampton have set their sights on a forward described as ‘incredibly fast’. 1. FC Köln’s Damion Downs could be the second signing at St. Mary’s this summer, according to Florian Plettenburg.
The 20-year-old has one year remaining on his current deal with the recently-promoted Bundesliga side and so Köln will be looking to cash in on their talent now that English attention has emerged. A fee of just under £7 million is being reported as the Saints’ first offer.
Important Performances For Köln
Downs played an important role in his side’s league win and promotion from the 2. Bundesliga, featuring in 29 of 34 matches over the league season and scoring ten goals with three assists too. As an academy graduate of Köln, the forward spent a season-and-a-half in and out of the German side’s first and second teams. Since his debut in February 2023, Downs has played 42 times.
In the academy set-up, Downs was equally as prolific in under-19 and under-17 categories. In the latter, two goals in three games was enough to move up an age bracket within a year. 13 goals in 25 under-19 appearances subsequently earned the striker an even bigger promotion to the first team.
Saints Departures Help Situation
Now as a United States international, and away with his national side at the Gold Cup, Southampton have listed the 20-year-old as their main priority in the attacking ranks. Samuel Amo-Ameyaw has permanently departed St. Mary’s as the young winger’s clause with Strasbourg has been triggered. Paul Onuachu has also left a vacant spot following his move to Trabzonspor.
Competition will be important for Still as his side looks to compete at the highest level of Championship football. The returning loans of Ben Brereton Díaz, Samuel Edozie, Adam Armstrong and Juan could see a healthy amount of playing time being shared around with already contracted Southampton attackers.
Writer’s View
Downs is an excellent prospect who could easily be Southampton’s starting striker. The profile of a pacy and prolific forward will be crucial for Still’s mould as he looks to steer his new side back to the Premier League.
International exposure under Mauricio Pochettino will be a massive beneficiary to Southampton’s prospects if a deal can be completed. This youthful experience of German football, as well as with his national side, will allow a seamless introduction for the 20-year-old as a key figure at St. Mary’s.
Ross Stewart, Cameron Archer and Adam Armstrong could all compete for the starting ‘number nine’ spot, but the former Preston North End loanee would be the biggest competition for Downs.
