Bundesliga: Damion Downs moves from 1. FC Köln to FC Southampton

Striker Damion Downs is leaving 1. FC Köln and moving to Southampton FC in the English second division.

As FC officially announced on Wednesday, the 21-year-old is moving to Southampton FC in the Championship, the English second division. The attacker signed a contract until 2029. Cologne had offered Downs an extension with a central role in the Bundesliga .

"However, Damion has decided against this offer and chosen a different path," explained FC sporting director Thomas Kessler, speaking of a "good financial framework." Cologne will reportedly receive a transfer fee of at least €8 million, making Downs the seventh-most expensive sale in the club's history. Including bonuses, the sum could exceed €10 million.

"I think Southampton is a big club that should be in the Premier League, and that's my goal," Downs said in a statement from the English club. Tim Lemperle also left the newly promoted club, the 23-year-old joining TSG Hoffenheim on a free transfer. Last season, the two were the club's top scorers, each scoring ten goals. Ragnar Ache from 1. FC Kaiserslautern replaced them.

• Sports Information Service

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