For Drupal 7 there was https://www.drupal.org/project/filefield_sources → which worked great to
but the module is still in alpha state and has no Drupal 10 release.
If I understand the architecture of this module directly, it doesn't fetch and store files, like they were uploaded, but instead reference the remote source.
If the current architecture is needed, in some cases, would it be an option to join forces with filefield_sources and provide an option ("radio buttons" separate form widgets) on the file field to either use a link to the remote field or instead fetch the source once, like it was uploaded?
There are use-cases for both, for example if you have an existing page where assets are stored or a remote media tool, where you need to fetch files from. Sometimes you want the remote "link", sometimes you want a copy.
What do you think?
Active
2.0
Code
PS: I'd suggest to replace https://www.drupal.org/project/filefield_sources → then or vice-versa. Better one well maintained module with several active developers than two with little activity.