Downs joins CITY SC from Southampton FC following loan spell with 2. Bundesliga side Hamburger SV
St. Louis CITY SC has acquired 22-year-old U.S. Men’s National Team forward Damion Downs on loan from English second division side Southampton FC through the 2027 Sprint season. The agreement includes a purchase option at the end of the loan.
Additionally, St. Louis CITY SC acquired Down’s Discovery Priority from Charlotte FC in exchange for $350,000 in 2026 General Allocation Money.
“Damion brings an exciting mix of technical quality, pace and athleticism to our attack,” said Sporting Director Corey Wray. “He gives us a different profile at the forward position and the flexibility to play in different ways. His ability to combine with his teammates, get in behind and make an impact in the box will give us another weapon in attack. For a player his age, he already has a lot of valuable experience, including time with the U.S. Men’s National Team, and we believe he still has more room to grow. We’re excited to bring him to St. Louis as we look to build on our strong run of form.”
A native of Werneck, Germany, Downs came through the youth systems of several German clubs before joining 1. FC Köln's academy. He made his Bundesliga debut with Köln during the 2023/24 season and scored his first career Bundesliga goal on March 9, 2024, against Borussia Möchengladbach. The following season, Downs scored 10 goals and added five assists, playing an important role in Köln’s automatic promotion back to the Bundesliga.
Following his successful season in Germany, Downs joined Southampton FC in the summer of 2025 and made 14 appearances for the club before spending the second half of the 2025/26 season on loan with Hamburger SV.
Internationally, Downs represented Germany at the youth level before committing to the United States. He made his senior debut for the U.S. Men’s National Team in 2025 and was part of the team’s Concacaf Gold Cup squad, making four appearances during the tournament. Downs returns to St. Louis after previously playing at Energizer Park, coming on as a substitute in the United States’ semifinal victory over Guatemala on July 2, 2025. He also converted the decisive penalty in the United States’ quarterfinal shootout victory over Costa Rica.
TRANSACTION: St. Louis CITY SC has acquired 22-year-old U.S. Men’s National Team forward Damion Downs on loan from English second division side Southampton FC through the 2027 Sprint season. The agreement includes a purchase option at the end of the loan.
Damion Downs
Position: Forward
Height: 6-4
Weight: 175 lbs
Date of Birth: July 6, 2004 (22)
Birthplace: Werneck, Germany
Nationality: United States
Previous Club: Southampton FC
