Eckert backed as Southampton line up Bayern Munich signing

Southampton are reportedly considering a move for Bayern Munich goalkeeper Daniel Peretz during the January transfer window as they look to strengthen their squad under head coach Tonda Eckert.

According to Sky Sports reporter Luca Bendoni, the Saints have identified Peretz as a serious option as they assess potential reinforcements ahead of the second half of the Championship season. While Southampton’s recent form has dipped slightly, their overall trajectory since Eckert’s arrival has been encouraging, particularly when compared to the struggles experienced during Will Still’s tenure. However, performances have not been flawless, and there is a growing belief that smart recruitment in January could significantly boost their promotion push.

Southampton currently sit just six points outside the playoff places, leaving them well within striking distance of a top-six finish. Although automatic promotion back to the Premier League appears unlikely at this stage, a sustained run backed by effective additions could put them firmly in contention for the playoffs. For that reason, January is shaping up to be a crucial window, with the club’s ownership group, Sport Republic, expected to support Eckert where possible.

One area of the pitch that has drawn particular attention is the goalkeeping department. Bendoni reports that Peretz is viewed as a “concrete option” by Southampton, with the 24-year-old emerging as one of the main names under consideration. The Saints are said to be monitoring his situation closely and could make a move if the right conditions present themselves over the coming weeks.

Peretz, who joined Bayern Munich with high expectations, is currently on loan at Hamburger SV. However, his time in northern Germany has not gone as planned. The Israeli international has struggled to secure regular first-team minutes, limiting his opportunities to develop and showcase his ability. As a result, Bayern are believed to be open to recalling him from his loan spell, particularly if another club can offer a clearer pathway to consistent playing time.

🔴⚪️ Daniel Peretz and Southampton, one to watch for the next days. Bayern GK – currently on loan at HSV – is a concrete option on Saints list along with other names, including Sunderland backup GK Anthony Patterson. #SaintsFC #SAFC #HSV #BayernFC w/@SkySportsLyall pic.twitter.com/cR00TQyPGX

— Luca Bendoni (@LucaBendoni) December 31, 2025

Southampton’s interest could therefore align with Bayern’s thinking, especially if Peretz is keen to test himself in English football. A move to the Championship would present a different challenge, but it could also provide the goalkeeper with the regular action he currently lacks.

While Peretz appears to be the most advanced option at present, Southampton are also exploring alternatives. Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson has been mentioned as another potential target, though Bendoni suggests that Peretz is currently the more realistic and developed possibility. The Saints are keeping their options open as they weigh up both short-term needs and longer-term planning.

The desire to recruit a new goalkeeper is hardly surprising given Southampton’s recent struggles in that position. Neither Gavin Bazunu nor Alex McCarthy has managed to establish consistent form over an extended period, leading to uncertainty between the posts. While both have had positive moments, errors and fluctuations in performance have undermined confidence at key stages of the season.

Last term, Aaron Ramsdale filled the number-one role during Southampton’s Premier League campaign, providing a level of stability and experience. However, following relegation, Ramsdale quickly secured a return to the top flight, joining Newcastle United on loan during the summer transfer window. His departure left a significant gap that has yet to be convincingly filled.

There has been some speculation over whether Ramsdale could consider a return in the future, but that scenario appears far from certain. In the meantime, Southampton may view a January signing as a practical solution, even if it is only a temporary fix until the summer. Bringing in a goalkeeper capable of immediately improving reliability at the back could prove decisive in tight matches during the latter stages of the campaign.

For Eckert, addressing the goalkeeping issue could be a key step in refining Southampton’s performances. While the team have shown signs of progress in terms of structure and attacking intent, lapses at the back have occasionally undone their good work. A dependable presence in goal could help the Saints turn draws into wins and losses into points, which is often the difference in a congested Championship table.

Ultimately, Southampton’s ambitions for the season may hinge on how effectively they navigate the January window. With the playoff race finely balanced, even one or two well-judged additions could shift the momentum in their favour. Daniel Peretz may not yet be a household name in English football, but his situation at Bayern Munich and Hamburg has created an opportunity that Southampton appear keen to explore.

If a deal can be struck, the move could benefit all parties involved: Southampton would gain much-needed competition and quality in goal, Bayern could ensure their player continues his development, and Peretz himself would have the chance to restart his season with regular football. As January approaches, this is one transfer storyline that looks set to gather pace.

Southampton forward seeks January move as German interest grows

Southampton striker Damion Downs is reportedly pushing for a move away from St Mary’s during the January transfer window, with several clubs in Germany monitoring his situation closely. The 21-year-old has endured a difficult first half of the season in England and is now keen to secure regular playing time elsewhere.

Downs has not featured for the Saints since suffering an injury toward the end of November. Even before that setback, the young forward struggled to establish himself in Southampton’s attack, failing to find the back of the net and registering just one assist across 14 appearances in all competitions.

Having joined Southampton from 1. FC Köln in July, expectations were high that the striker could make a strong impression in the Championship. However, his limited impact and subsequent injury have left him on the fringes, prompting interest from clubs in his home country.

German clubs tracking the striker

Interest in Downs from Germany has been building in recent weeks. Earlier this month, Kicker reported that Hamburg SV had made initial contact regarding a possible loan deal during the winter transfer window. The report suggested the 2. Bundesliga side were exploring options to strengthen their attacking line.

That interest was later echoed by Hamburger Morgenpost, which claimed the player himself was actively assessing potential moves away from Southampton. The same outlet has now provided further details, explaining that Hamburg are prioritising the signing of a recognised No.9 in January and have identified Downs as one of several candidates under consideration.

Despite his struggles in England, Downs is said to have fully recovered from his injury and is eager to return to competitive action. Regular minutes are viewed as essential if he is to keep alive his hopes of earning a place in the United States squad for the next World Cup.

Player pushing for exit

According to reports, Downs is actively pushing for a departure from Southampton in the upcoming transfer window. With opportunities limited at St Mary’s, the forward believes a move elsewhere would provide the platform he needs to rebuild momentum and demonstrate his abilities.

However, a switch to Hamburg may prove complicated. While the club have shown interest, Downs is not believed to be at the top of their shortlist. The German side are understood to be weighing up several attacking options, with other targets currently ranked higher in their priorities.

In addition to Hamburg, Downs has reportedly attracted attention from other clubs in Germany, although their identities have not been disclosed. These options could present more realistic opportunities for the striker, particularly if they are able to offer clearer pathways to first-team football.

Financial realities affect Hamburg’s chances

Further insight into the situation has been provided by Bild, which claims Hamburg are far from alone in tracking the Southampton forward. According to the German publication, multiple Bundesliga clubs — several with stronger financial backing than HSV — are also keeping tabs on Downs ahead of January.

This competitive landscape significantly reduces Hamburg’s chances of securing a deal. With wealthier top-flight clubs potentially able to offer better terms and sporting prospects, HSV are likely to find themselves outmatched in negotiations.

As a result, Hamburg’s prospects of landing Downs during the winter window have been described as “extremely slim”. Even a loan deal could prove difficult if rival clubs are prepared to move decisively once the window opens.

Uncertain future at St Mary’s

For Southampton, Downs’ situation presents a dilemma. The club invested in the young striker with a view to long-term development, but his lack of impact so far and desire for a move could prompt discussions about a temporary exit.

A loan move could benefit all parties, allowing Downs to gain valuable experience and confidence while potentially returning to St Mary’s better prepared to compete for a place. However, the presence of interest from Bundesliga clubs may also raise questions about whether a permanent deal could eventually be considered.

As January approaches, Downs’ future remains uncertain. What appears clear is that the forward is eager for a fresh start and regular football, while Southampton must decide how best to handle a player who arrived with promise but has yet to find his footing in English football.

With interest growing and multiple clubs circling, the coming weeks could prove decisive in determining where Damion Downs continues his career in the second half of the season.