Despite missing out on a Saints move, Damion Downs' teammate Alex Freeman closes in on a historic La Liga opportunity amidst Villarreal interest.
Touchwood, Saints fans, but let's all admit that Southampton's Damion Downes risk feels like it's paying off too perfectly so far. With a goal in his friendly debut and a decisive half-hour cameo where he contributed the winner, the 21-year-old feels the missing piece the Saints needed.
In fact, should the fan voices be heard, they would be more than open to another talented US recruit, having been too impressed with Downs so far. But with their only other shortlisted USMNT star, Alex Freeman, far off their transfer reach, it remains a dream.
Still, what's interesting is that, unlike it seems, a collapsed deal affected Freeman even more than Southampton themselves. And while the player could have utilised the Saints' fullback luck in the Concacaf Gold Cup Final, his national trophy cabinet still remains empty.
However, the recent twist in Freeman's tale may surprise you as the right-back has got another career-defining moment that he would definitely want to make the most of.
Freeman's winter US trip can see him becoming a part of history
That's because of Freeman's nearly confirmed La Liga switch to Villarreal, which could see him become a part of a memorable history.
Recently, journalist Mike McGrath talked about Freeman's Villarreal situation, saying: "Villarreal have agreed a deal in principle for US right-back Alex Freeman. Premier League clubs have been interested in Orlando City player, 20, who played 6 times at Gold Cup this summer - but clock ticking on landing him."
Now, in case you don't know, Villarreal can face Barcelona in a La Liga matchday, scheduled for outside of Spain. Decided on a clash in Miami, the two sides are bound to rewrite history this season if UEFA gives the green light for the fixture's venue.
Well, getting his name in history books, that too on a trip to his homeland, there's little Freeman can ask more for if this possibility comes true. But from the Saints' perspective, it hardly matters as they may opt to skip the historic matchday out of shame for not being able to finalise Freeman.