Hamburg Finalizes Three Loan Deals Ahead of Deadline Day

Hamburg has officially confirmed three separate loan deals involving defender Aboubaka Soumahoro, midfielder Immanuel Pherai, and striker Otto Stange. The transactions were part of a complex series of maneuvers on transfer deadline day, requiring significant administrative effort from the HSV management team. Notably, they opted against acquiring Borussia Dortmund defender Almugera Kabar due to fitness concerns.

Striker Otto Stange, an 18-year-old talent, was loaned to 2. Bundesliga club SV Elversberg at the start of the season. The local player excelled during his time in the second division, netting three goals and providing two assists in 11 league appearances. Hamburg sought to recall Stange early in an effort to bolster their attacking options during the January transfer window; however, they faced resistance from the Saarland club.

In response, Hamburg proposed midfielder Immanuel Pherai, known for his strong performance in the 2. Bundesliga, to Elversberg. Throughout the transfer window, Hamburg had been exploring options to transfer Pherai, even arranging a potential loan to 1. FC Nürnberg. However, the complications surrounding the Stange deal ultimately led to the cancellation of the transfer to 1. FCN.

Aboubaka Soumahoro was signed by Hamburg during the winter transfer window of 2025. Despite not making any appearances in the 2. Bundesliga last spring, the 20-year-old has since participated in four Bundesliga matches this season. The France U20 international and former Paris FC player will now be heading back to Ligue 2 to join AS Saint-Étienne.

HSV’s sporting director, Claus Costa, remarked in a club statement, “The prospects for playing time are better in Saint-Étienne than they currently are with us, and this is essential for his further development. We will continue to closely monitor Abou’s progress.”