Southampton have made advances in their pursuit of 1. FC Köln’s Damion Downs this summer.
That’s according to Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger, a newspaper local to FC Köln, and their title says Southampton ‘offer an enormous sum’ for the striker.
Southampton appointed Johannes Spors as their new technical director in February, and he’s previously worked in Germany. The official is leading the Saints’ pursuit as he wants to bring the 20-year-old to St Mary’s.
The English club’s ‘flirtation is heating up’ as they have made an offer worth €8m to the newly promoted Bundesliga side.
Downs has a year left on his contract and a renewal doesn’t seem to be in sight.
Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger believe the fee proposed by Southampton is ‘enormous’, considering several factors including his contract situation. Therefore, they can ‘hardly refuse’ the bid tabled by Will Still’s side.
Negotiations are said to be advancing, but the American won’t be able to complete a move immediately.
The frontman is with his national team, who have made it to the Gold Cup semi-final. He won’t be starting preseason with FC Köln on July 7th. In fact, he’s unlikely to return to the club after the break as it’s thought Downs will move to England and Southampton.
He expects to enjoy regular minutes at the English club next season.
Sky Deutschland journalist Florian Plettenberg took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to report that Downs in Southampton’s top target. He also states they have made an ‘official bid’ of €8m and negotiations are advancing.
