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.