Southampton Make Offer For Bundesliga Striker Monday, 30th Jun 2025 06:55 Saints are already preparing for life without Tall Paul Onuachu and it seems several other of their current strike force and reports in Germany are saying that Southampton have already made their opening offer.
Reports from Germany are saying that Saints have made an initial €8 million bid for FC Koln’s USA international striker Damion Downs.
Downs is an out and out centre forward who last season in Bundesliga 2, scored 10 goals plus 5 assists in 29 games in the second tier of German football. That followed on from 3 goals in 13 games in the previous season.
Koln won the division and promotion back to the top flight, but it seems that Saints are determined to bring Downs to the Championship.
This wont go down well with some Saints supporters, they want tried and trusted players coming into the squad and although Downs has had a good season, the truth is that only turning 21 in a weeks time, he hasn’t the experience that many will demand.
He has been capped 3 times for the USA, although he was born in Germany and represented them at U20 level, he opted to represent his Father’s country at full international level.
Most seem to think that this is a done deal and that it will be announced pretty soon, certainly the offer is on the table and it seems that Koln are ready to accept.
Reuters
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Bowlercow added 08:42 - Jun 30
If this is a straight replacement for tall Paul then that's fine We already have experienced championship players in AA BBD and RS One of those 3 could leave but not all three I don't buy the theory that AA wouldn't be up for the fight Winning is ingrained into their DNA |  | |
Block8 added 09:50 - Jun 30
Bowlercow ,You've forgotten Archer who has plenty of experience at Championship level and looks like a natural goal scorer? |  | |
underweststand added 10:52 - Jun 30
Bringing ANY player into the Prem. is a challenge in itself, and even those who change clubs in the top tier don't always succeed. Here is a young striker (21) who can score goals and would likely flourish in a squad alongside experienced goalscorers at this lower level, (as long he is "teachable" and smart enough to adapt to the English game). We will need to see who is still here in August, and how he might fit in. I might foresee formations where we change out two strikers in every match and see how it develops. Last season we started the season with 5 recognised strikers but (sadly) none of them was able to establish themselves. Hopefully we can build a new strike force capable of creating goalscoring partnerships, because we will need lots of goals to get back up to the Prem. |  | |
Ali_Diarea added 11:52 - Jun 30
The cynic in me says this is another striker we’ll be glad to see the back of in two years’ time, but I’m also willing to give him a chance and hope he hits the ground running… |  | |
Bowlercow added 13:11 - Jun 30
Yes Block 8 I did forget Archer Perhaps because his performances were also forgettable But maybe Still can do a job on him |  | |
kenchilds70 added 17:30 - Jun 30
🔴 Southampton Summer Blueprint: A Fan’s Tactical & Transfer Strategy for Will Still’s Revolution As Will Still ushers in a new era at St Mary’s, here’s a supporter-led roadmap that balances smart spending, tactical clarity, and promotion ambition—without bankrupting the rebuild. 💸 Spending Strategy (based on ~£50–60m income from sales) • Invest £18m this summer: ◦ Glen Kamara (Rennes) – press-resistant anchor, leader in the middle ◦ Mathis Lachuer (CD Mirandés) – tempo-setter, Still-style metronome ◦ Reda Khadra (Stade Reims) – flair-heavy No. 10 to unlock deep blocks ◦ Damion Downs (1. FC Köln) – mobile, high-upside striker project • Reserve £40m for January: cover injuries, loan gems, or fuel a top-two push 🧱 Ideal XI (3-5-2 Variant) GK: Bazunu CBs: Bree – Harwood-Bellis – Wood WB: Wellington – Taylor MF: Kamara – Fernandes – Lachuer STs: Edozie – Downs/Bayo Khadra floats in as an alternate No. 10; Charles and Downes rotate in the engine room. 🪑 Bench: Young, Hungry, Flexible • Ballard – poacher, impact sub • Jay Robinson – fearless wide threat • Edwards, Larios, Taylor – LWB/CB cover • Kamari Doyle – technical spark • Two new midfielders (Kamara + UK-based engine) • GK: Adli Mohamed 🔄 Outgoings to Fund This • Armstrong, Aribo, Bednarek, Brereton Díaz, Ramsdale, Stephens • Fringe: McCarthy, Dibling, possibly B team loanees 🎯 Target No. 9 – Mohamed Bayo (Lille) • Big, physical, Ligue 1-tested • Proposal: £5m + Armstrong • Ideal foil for Edozie, fits Still’s press and hold-up philosophy This is more than a wish list—it’s a sustainable squad plan tailored to Still’s style: tactical options, youth progression, and Championship bite. If Saints want to bounce back and build for the long haul, this blend of guile and grit could be the template. |  | |
highfield49 added 19:43 - Jun 30
If Downs has had a chat with the USA coach/manager that might influence his signing. If so, cheers Poch, the lad looks like like a decent prospect. |  | |
Jesus_02 added 00:29 - Jul 1
Wouldnt every championship team like "tried and tested". Really we ned PL quality but the days of getting an ex PL striker in have long gone. With MLS and Saudi money no one drops a division, least of all strikers. with 6 subs there is spce for 6 strikers at each PL club to get game time. I think this stratagy is the only one we have got. The kid has a goal controbution every other game , let hope it happens |  | |
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