1. FC Köln confirm Downs departure | OneFootball

1. FC Köln have confirmed that Damion Downs has left the club to join Southampton in the English Championship.

According to reports, the 21-year-old leaves the newly-promoted Bundesliga club in a deal worth over €10 million in total.

“We have had intensive and open talks with Damion about a shared future. In doing so, we presented him with what we consider a very attractive sporting and financial perspective at 1. FC Köln — including a clear opportunity to play a central role in the Bundesliga," said 1. FC Köln sporting director Thomas Kessler.

“However, Damion decided against this offer and chose a different path. Subsequently, we found a solution for 1. FC Köln that is financially reasonable. We thank Damion for his commitment to the club and his important contribution on our way back to the Bundesliga. We wish him all the best personally and professionally for his future career.”

Downs, who scored 13 goals and provided six assists in 42 games for Köln, said:

“I came to Köln from Ingolstadt five years ago as a teenager, and I’m extremely grateful to the FC and the people of Köln for their support and kindness throughout this time. I always enjoyed it here, and the time will always remain in my heart.

"Getting promoted to the Bundesliga was one of the most beautiful moments of my life. I especially want to thank my youth coach Stefan Ruthenbeck and Thomas Kessler for their special support. I wish all the people of Cologne a successful Bundesliga season.”