Florian Plettenberg reports that Hamburger SV have decided not to trigger the option to buy for Damion Downs. The option in the loan deal was approximately €9-10m. Southampton have been informed. Hamburger SV are still very satisfied with Downs’ professionalism and attitude.

Hamburger SC remains interested in the 21-year-old American centre-forward Damion Downs. Downs is seeking to leave Southampton to protect his chances of going to the World Cup this summer. Any deal is likely to be dependent on Southampton’s participation. Downs' current contract runs until 2029. Southampton are unlikely to want to incur an immediate financial loss on the €8m they paid in the summer. SV Werder Bremen have also been linked with a move for the player. Downs has made 11 appearances in the Championship this season, providing one assist and scoring no goals. He has one cap for the USA U23 team, and his current market value is estimated by Transfermarkt to be €7.00m.