Southampton striker Damion Downs has been linked with a January exit from the Hampshire club.
Several Bundesliga clubs have been attributed with interest in the 21-year-old, with reports from Germany suggesting the Bavarian-born attacker still holds hopes of making the United States’ home World Cup squad.
Despite penning a four-year deal upon his arrival on the South Coast in July, the 1. FC Köln youth product has struggled to make an impact at St Mary’s.
Just one assist in fourteen appearances has left both player and club unsatisfied, and a January switch may prove to be the best decision for both parties.
According to German outlet Kicker, Bundesliga newcomers Hamburg have already inquired about bringing Downs to the Volksparkstadion, as they continue to fight against an instant return to the 2. Bundesliga.
Injuries to key attackers have prompted HSV to keep a close eye on the market, and Downs seems to match the profile they are looking for. Sky Sports DE reporter Florian Plettenberg confirmed this interest, adding that other Bundesliga clubs similarly have the 6ft4 striker on their radar.
A dual citizen of the US and Germany, Downs would be in familiar surroundings in Germany. Downs made his name with 1. FC Köln, helping them secure promotion last season.
Eleven goals in 32 appearances for Effzeh saw Southampton willing to part ways with £7 million to secure his signature in the summer.
With form hard to come by with the Saints, with the striker not even making the matchday squad in recent weeks, a return to Germany could help Downs rediscover the form to realise his World Cup ambitions.
Despite featuring in a set of friendlies for Germany’s U20’s last year, scoring a brace against Turkey, Downs made his international breakthrough for the United States in May this year.
Following his debut off the bench in a 4-0 defeat to Switzerland, the 21-year-old has gone on to make six appearances for the USMNT, including June’s Gold Cup final defeat to fellow World Cup hosts Mexico.
Whilst a loan may help Downs make a case for his place in the World Cup squad, the four-year deal he signed in the summer may prove a stumbling block.
However, with new Southampton boss Tonda Eckert seemingly not featuring the striker in his plans, a temporary switch may benefit both club and player.
At just 21, minutes are vital for Downs’ development as he looks to recapture the form that saw him make the move to the Championship initially.
