The Athletic was the first to report that St. Louis City SC is set to acquire United States and German forward Damion Downs on loan from English Championship side Southampton. The 22-year-old has not scored for Southampton since the club acquired him in July 2025 and has not yet appeared in the Championship this season. His contract with Southampton is valid until 2029, and he spent the previous season on loan at Hamburger SV. Downs has one goal in two caps for the United States U23 team. His current market value is estimated by Transfermarkt to be €4.00m.