Damion Downs has left Southampton after just six months to join Hamburg on loan for the rest of the season.
Downs joined Southampton from FC Köln in the summer in a deal worth $9 million. But the 21-year-old has failed to settle in with the Championship side and has sought more playing time back in Germany as he aims to make a late push for the World Cup roster.
The striker has yet to score a goal for Southampton, starting just three games in all competitions amid 14 total appearances since arriving at St Mary’s.
Downs made 10 Bundesliga appearances for Köln in 2023-24, scoring two goals before the club was relegated. The forward netted 10 times in the German second division last season, helping his team earn an immediate promotion.
“Over the past few days, we have worked very hard to secure Damion and are delighted that we were able to convince him of HSV and our approach,’ said Hamburg board member Eric Huwer.
‘Claus [Costa, sporting director] and his team have done a fantastic job here. This signing underlines our ability to effectively communicate our strengths as a location.’
Costa added: ‘[Downs] knows the Bundesliga and brings an interesting mix of quality and development potential.
“Damion is a vertical center forward who possesses a good mix of size, pace, and depth. With his strengths in transition and his presence in the box, he fits very well into the profile we developed in close consultation with the coaching staff.”
Hamburg is currently 13th in the Bundesliga, four points clear of a promotion-relegation playoff spot. The club earned promotion back to the top flight last season after a seven-year absence.
Downs spent time with American and German youth international teams before casting his lot with the USMNT.
The striker has earned six caps, all of which came in 2025. Downs made four appearances off the bench during the Gold Cup, most recently appearing for the USMNT in a September friendly against Japan.