Downs' loan to end in summer as HSV opt against permanent transfer

HSV will not be exercising their purchase option for the USA international forward.

Photo: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images.

Damion Downs' return spell at the Bundesliga with Hamburger SV will be short-lived one, according to Sky Germany's sources.

The striker, who joined the Hanseatic club on loan from Southampton in the winter, will leave this summer when his deal expires.

Downs hoped to contribute goals to HSV's fight for survival in the Bundesliga, but the American failed to score a single goal in 11 games.

Hamburg has an option to buy the striker on a permanent basis, but it's believed they have already planned against exercising it.

Regardless, journalist Florian Plettenberg writes that HSV had no problems with the 21-year-old's professionalism and attitude.

Since his breakthrough at 1.FC Köln, in which he scored 10 goals in 29 games in Germany's second division, Downs has struggled for form.