Southampton to finalise Damion Downs transfer this week | OneFootball

According to a report by Geißblog, Damion Downs is set to complete his move to Championship Southampton side by Wednesday. The 1. FC Köln forward is expected to complete his medical with his new club on Tuesday, before signing a long term contract until 2029.

Losing Downs is a blow to the Bundesliga returnees. Although Köln will receive a reported €8m including bonuses, the USA international scored 10 goals and provided five assists in 29 2. Bundesliga games last season. Together with losing Tim Lemperle to Hoffenheim, the Billy Goats have lost their two top scorers from last season.

When questioned whether or not Köln would replace Downs, Lukas Kwasniok, the club’s new head coach, said: “I don’t really worry about things I can’t influence.

“He’s not here today and he won’t be here tomorrow either. We’re making sure we work well with the guys we have. We want to improve the guys.”

When pushed on an answer, the 44-year-old added: “We’re not in need [of another attacker]. I’m aware that there’s talks about who could come in if Damion leaves – but we’ve already made a commitment.”

Köln earlier announced the signing of Ragnar Ache from Kaiserslautern after triggering the player’s release clause. The German scored 18 goals in the second division last season and is Kwasniok’s preferred option in attack. Not only that, Imad Rondić, Steffen Tigges, Sargis Adamyan and Florian Dietz will all have an opportunity to impress Köln’s new head coach in pre-season.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder