SV Hamburg's refusal to activate Damion Downs' option to buy clause has set the Southampton socials going.
Those in favour of giving the 21-year-old USAMNT international another go cite his potential, pace, and high ceiling. Those against quote the stats since his move to St Mary's and his subsequent loan move, which hasn't gone well.
It's been so bad, in fact, that Downs has only registered a single assist. That was in the opening game of the season at home to Wrexham.
And those fans who made the short trip to Northampton Town for the Carabao Cup match would have seen a woeful performance in which Downs missed an absolute sitter from a few yards out.
Southampton fans, to be fair, have been behind the young striker since his arrival, despite his poor form. But fan support alone must not lead a club to wait too long before pressing the transfer button.
Promotion remains the priority
For the Saints, promotion remains the priority. To achieve that, they must first vanquish Middlesbrough over two legs and win a final against Millwall or Hull City. Although they go into the playoffs in fine form, Tonda Eckert's team has not beaten any of the three other clubs this season.
Under Tonda Eckert, Saints have been outstanding. One defeat in 23 games tells its own story and it shows consistency and resilience.
The form has been strong, and the belief is certainly there. Southampton's trip to Wembley in the FA Cup has given players the experience they can draw on if they reach the Championship playoff final.
With players like Cyle Larin, Ross Stewart and Léo Scienza, the attack looks dangerous and capable of producing goals when needed. Stewart and Larin both scored at Preston in the final game of the regular season.
That is why they are seen as the team to beat in the play-offs.
But while the focus is on promotion, there are other matters developing in the background.
A missed opportunity elsewhere
Southampton look set to miss out on a potential financial boost.
Damion Downs is unlikely to be signed permanently by SV Hamburg. The option to buy was believed to be around £8 million, and that would have been useful business no matter what division Southampton are in next season.
Downs' loan has not worked out as everybody hoped.
Downs has struggled for minutes and impact, and he has not registered a goal or assist during his loan spell. That has made the decision pretty easy for Hamburg.
For Southampton, it is a setback.
But it is not the end of the story.
Downs is still young and still developing and still learning his game. At 21, he has time on his side and that is important.
Patience could still pay off
Southampton now face a decision.
They can look for another loan and give him more minutes and more experience. That could help him find the form to become a first-team player in the future. A move to a level where he plays regularly may be the best option.
There is also the long-term view.
Players do not always develop in a straight line, and setbacks are part of the process. Downs still has attributes and potential, and he could yet become a valuable asset.
For now, the focus remains on promotion.
Because that is where the real financial reward lies and that is what will shape the club’s future.
The Downs situation is a disappointment but it is not decisive.
What happens in the play-offs will be far more important.
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