Tonda Eckert reveals Southampton transfer update after Damion Downs exit | OneFootball

The Southampton manager has stated whether he will be targeting a striker this January

Southampton manager Tonda Eckert doesn't believe that bringing in another striker to replace the outgoing Damion Downs is a priority.

However, he has stated that the club will explore options in the ongoing winter transfer window, according to a report from the Southern Daily Echo.

Downs has been loaned out to Bundesliga outfit Hamburg for the rest of the campaign, just months after the Saints spent £7 million on the American international to bring him to St Mary's from fellow German side FC Koln.

This has left Tonda Eckert with Adam Armstrong, Cameron Archer, and a returning Ross Stewart as his current striker options, and he's reportedly content with those three for the remainder of the current campaign.

A new striker "not necessary" for Tonda Eckert this January

The offload of Downs wasn't much of a surprise, as the 21-year-old was largely unfavoured by both Will Still and then Tonda Eckert throughout the opening half of this campaign.

Downs started just one of his 11 league games at St Mary's and hadn't featured since picking up an undisclosed injury towards the end of November.

Throughout that time, Southampton hadn't had the services of Scotsman Stewart available due to a hamstring injury, from which he returned last time out in the 4-0 defeat at Middlesbrough. Therefore, Eckert is happy with his current striker core.

"We are having a look, but for me, not necessary," he told the Southern Daily Echo when asked whether the Saints needed to strengthen at the top end of the pitch this January.

"I think we have some excellent quality with Adam Armstrong, Cam Archer and Ross Stewart. If something comes up where it makes sense to have a look, we will, but I'm very happy with the quality in general that we have in the building.

"I think that Ross looks very good — it's just very important how we manage his load. What we can't do is have him play 90 minutes, three games a week. It doesn't need to be that way because we have excellent quality in the building.

"It just needs to be spot on. It's important that we are very clear that whoever comes into the building is going to add to the quality of the team."

The return of Stewart could be a big boost for the Saints in 2026, if they can keep the 29-year-old fit for a prolonged period of time.

The Scottish frontman missed 31 games in his first campaign at the club, and 27 last season, but looked to be leaving that behind this year, playing a part in eight of the first nine games of the Championship campaign, starting three straight and scoring both goals in a win at Sheffield United — the second and final league win under Will Still.

However, a hamstring injury sustained half an hour into that third consecutive start against Derby County in October ruled him out until he made his return last weekend.

For a side that opts with just one striker in Eckert's system, three seems more than enough if all can stay fit, and to the German boss' admission, all three have clear quality.

Damion Downs' fringe role doesn't need to be replaced at Southampton

Downs wasn't playing a key role in the Southampton side under Will Still, and that role decreased even further under Tonda Eckert. Given his lack of involvement, replacing him wouldn't be necessary.

Southampton have the top scorer in the Championship leading their line, in Adam Armstrong, and in Cam Archer and Ross Stewart, have dependable back-ups who, on their day, can cause an impact.

Archer has been a dependable option from the bench for the majority of the campaign thus far, and if Stewart can stay fit, then there's the expectation that he will fill that role, too. Therefore, a fourth striker doesn't seem to be a priority.

That being said, if an option arises to bring in someone who can hit the ground running, improve the Saints' side in the second half of the season and perhaps give them an outside shot at promotion, there's plenty of scope for that to be explored this January.