By OkayGoal 
The EFL Championship will have another American talent in its midst.
Southampton acquired U.S. men’s national team forward Damion Downs in a permanent deal from German side Cologne, both clubs announced Wednesday. Downs signed a four-year contract with the English second-tier club.
“Damion is a player we have been monitoring for some time who possesses excellent physical qualities and the ability to disrupt defense,” Southampton technical director Johannes Spors said.
“Strengthening our attacking options was one of our top priorities this summer, and Damion is a player who will add real quality to the group, he added. “Despite his relatively young age he is already a senior international, so we are excited to see him thrive in the environment here at Southampton.”
Downs most recently completed CONCACAF Gold Cup duty with the USMNT, helping Mauricio Pochettino’s squad reach the tournament final. A former German youth national team player, Downs scored 11 goals for Cologne in the 2. Bundesliga last season, helping the club earn promotion back to the top-flight.
He will now join a Southampton side that is seeking an immediate bounce-back to the English Premier League.
“Everybody plays football to win titles,” Downs said. “To win my first title at 20 last year was a great feeling, and I hope to repeat it again this year.
“I think Southampton is a big club that should be in the Premier League, and that’s my goal, to help the team as much as I can to bring the club back to the Premier League,” he added.
Southampton opens its 2025-26 season on August 9 at home against newly-promoted Wrexham.