Tonda Eckert’s side are the team to beat in the play-offs, having lost one in 23 in all competitions. Their last Championship defeat came in mid-January against Hull City and many will be frustrated that they did not make the top two given their form.
Southampton have won 12 and drawn five in the last 17 league outings, but the overall picture since Eckert took charge is even better. In 32 league games, they have 65 points since he initially took caretaker charge. That includes just five defeats and 19 wins.
Only Coventry City (93) have scored more than Southampton’s 79 goals this term. Their forward line is stacked with quality, which includes Cyle Larin, Ross Stewart, Leo Scienza, and Finn Azaz, Tom Fellows, and Cameron Archer.
That is why they allowed Adam Armstrong to depart for Wolverhampton Wanderers permanently and Damion Downs to join Hamburger SV in the Bundesliga on loan.
Hamburg opt against signing Southampton striker Damion Downs permanently
Downs scored 11 and bagged a further six assists in 32 games in all competitions in the German second tier last season with 1. FC Koln as just a developing 20-year-old striker.
The 21-year-old featured 14 times for Southampton earlier this season, but he failed to score a goal. The solitary assist was not enough for him to break into Eckert’s plans on a consistent basis, with Downs firmly down the pecking order.
A loan back to Germany, albeit the top flight, was sanctioned. He has played in 11 games for Hamburg, starting six of them, but failing to score or assist once. It’s a frustrating development for the Saints, who had hoped for a more productive spell away from St. Mary’s.
It’s no surprise, then, to learn that Hamburg are not keen to sign the player permanently, despite having three games remaining in their first season back in the Bundesliga after seven years away.
Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg explained: “Hamburger SV have decided not to trigger the option to buy for Damion Downs. The option in the loan deal was realistically around €9-10m.
“Southampton have been informed. However, HSV are still very satisfied with Downs’ professionalism and attitude. They already looking intensively for a new striker.”
Southampton’s next steps with Damion Downs
The amount Southampton are set to miss out on is around £7.8–8.6 million. They will have to choose their next steps carefully with Downs, who it’s easy to forget is so young still.
Patience will be key with Downs, even if his profile as a striker is an encouraging one. At 21, he is still refining the raw elements of his game, particularly in terms of consistency and his decision-making in the final third.
However, the raw attributes are there and he has the tools to develop into a well-rounded forward. For Southampton, that context is important as we head into the summer.
What are Southampton’s next steps with Damion Downs? Comment below!
Another loan move next term could be the ideal pathway, allowing Downs to gain regular minutes to develop, sharpen his instincts, and grow in a less pressurised environment than the Premier League or Bundesliga.
Perhaps a second tier loan ought to be considered. In the long run, that patience could pay dividends, turning potential into a reliable attacking option. Or it could mean cashing in on an asset that has appreciated in value one day.
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