Suche
Mein Konto
Damion Downs leaves Cologne: move to Southampton FC perfect!
1. FC Köln is selling striker Damion Downs for 8 million euros to Southampton, who is aiming for a central role in the 2nd division.
Damion Downs leaves Cologne: move to Southampton FC perfect!
The 21-year-old attacker Damion Downs has officially completed the move from 1. FC Köln to FC Southampton. The young striker, who contributed significantly to FC's success last season with 11 goals and 6 assists, has signed a contract with the English team until 2029. According to media reports, Southampton will pay a fixed transfer fee of 8 million euros, making Downs the seventh most expensive sale in 1. FC Köln's club history. Including possible bonuses, the sum could even rise to over 10 million euros, as Sky Sport reports.
What makes the move particularly relevant is the fact that 1. FC Köln had offered Downs a contract extension with a central role in the Bundesliga. FC sporting director Thomas Kessler confirmed that Downs had decided against this offer. It seems Southampton's offer for the American striker was hard to ignore. “Southampton is a big club that belongs in the Premier League and that is my goal,” said Downs after signing his contract.
A talented player with great ambitions
Downs, who previously played for the Germany U20 national team, decided to play for the US national team in the spring. During his time at FC Köln, he established himself as a physical player who acted as a target player and created space for his teammates. With an impressive rate of one goal every 180 minutes in the 2nd Bundesliga, he has not only strengthened his offensive, but also boosted his market value, which rose from 2.5 million euros to 6 million euros, as Transfermarkt.
His move to Southampton could be the next big step in his career. Downs mentioned that he spoke to national coach and former Southampton coach Mauricio Pochettino about the transfer and is convinced that choosing Southampton was a good decision. His style of play is characterized by good finishing, excellent running routes and the ability to prepare goals.
FC Cologne and the squad changes
Despite Downs' painful departure, there is also a bright spot at 1. FC Köln. Ragnar Ache was signed by 1. FC Kaiserslautern as a replacement for the talented striker. In addition, Tim Lemperle has also left the club for TSG Hoffenheim, although he is moving on a free transfer. These squad changes are in line with the club's one-to-watch strategies.
With Downs' departure, 1. FC Köln can join the ranks of the top 10 most expensive departures in the club's history. The club is showing that it is willing to let talented players move into the big leagues and operate profitably. Indeed, an exciting time for FC!