Southampton fans may feel disappointed by comparing the transfer fees of Damion Downs and his national teammate.
With the much anticipated Damion Downs update arriving in their favour, Southampton have addressed their diminishing status in terms of international starters. Now, the Saints have seen their players amass minutes at the global stage but as things stand, their best shot at future worldwide representation rests on the young shoulders of wonderkids like Mateus Fernandes.
Even in the former's case, there's a catch, Downs isn't an outright regular in the United States team-sheet. Rather, his four-year senior counterpart Patrick Agyemang holds the starting forward berth but he may have the Saints fans panicking out of nowhere.
Now, him claiming the preference in Pochettino's mind over Downs isn't the issue but his unexpected transfer certainly is. In their own words, Sky Sports pointed to Agyemang's new home in the Championship, saying: "Sky Sports News understands Derby are set to pay £5.8m plus add-ons for the forward."
Downs has enough time to strengthen his United States claim
Well, the transfer valuation is where things get bizarre for Southampton. That's because they have overpaid around a million to get hold of Downs while one of their relatively less competitive rivals easily struck a hefty bargain on a player assuming the first-choice duties in the United States' front three ranks.
Simply put, these two rapid deals have given the fans every reason to start complaining but as always, the grass might not be as greener on the other side.
Merely a few months ago, Norwich City's Josh Sargent used to be the obvious choice to handle USMNT's goalscoring part but he failed to impress in the long run despite all of his praiseworthy credentials in the second division football. Likewise, Downs may have started quietly but he can gradually make his case to demand valuable playing time in showpiece tournaments.
Hence, patience is needed in abundance on the Southampton fans' part in order to help Downs continue making rapid scoring strides.