Hamburger SV: A Resilient Return to the Bundesliga

The latest installment of our 18 Bundesliga transfer analyses on Get German Football News focuses on Hamburger SV. This historic club finds itself in a tightly contested position within the Bundesliga table, alongside fellow promoted side 1. FC Köln and regional rivals VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach. Football enthusiasts across Germany are undoubtedly pleased to see HSV back in the Bundesliga and performing admirably.

The spectacular choreographies and light displays at Volksparkstadion rightfully belong on the front page of the league. It’s hard to fathom how fans coped without this vibrant atmosphere for seven long years. Perhaps this absence has allowed HSV to return as a profoundly different entity than the one that departed the top flight. Once known as “der Dino,” the club has shed its previous arrogance associated with never facing relegation.

Now, neutrals are cheering for HSV to rise above expectations, providing inspiring narratives of underdogs, misfits, and redemption.

This shift is a stark contrast to the club’s final years in the Bundesliga before relegation, where many Germans wished for a definitive descent rather than continued uncertainty. The refreshed Rothosen, driven by the vision of German football legend Stefan Kuntz, brings a much-needed revitalization.

Kuntz has excelled in guiding Hamburg past expectations.

**Predicted Table Position:** 17th place
**Actual Table Position:** 13th place, 16 points (4 Wins, 4 Draws, 7 Losses, -9 Goal Difference)

The pre-season analysis of HSV was conducted before Kuntz orchestrated a notable finish to the summer transfer window. The significant acquisitions of Arsenal players Albert Sambi Lokonga and Fabio Vieira dramatically altered the club’s prospects, increasing the estimated market value of Hamburg’s squad by nearly €30 million overnight. This leap propelled HSV from the second least valuable team in the Bundesliga to the fourth least.

The positive momentum continued with Tottenham loanee Luka Vuskovic receiving an upgrade in his Transfermarkt valuation, now recognized as a talent worth €40 million. Vuskovic also became HSV’s first goal-scorer in the Bundesliga after a long drought.

Under the leadership of Vieira and newly appointed captain Yussuf Poulsen, the team achieved thrilling late victories against Stuttgart and Bremen, with all four of Hamburg’s Bundesliga wins (against Stuttgart, Bremen, Mainz, and Heidenheim) occurring at home, creating ample discussion among fans.

The anticipated defeats have largely faded from memory, although there were moments when HSV appeared far from a top-flight team. The potential for a total collapse remains a concern, suggesting a collective reluctance among fans to confront harsh realities.

**Estimated Summer Transfer Balance:** -€2.7 million

The arrivals of Vuskovic, Lokonga, and Vieira are classified as “gold star transfers.” While it is acknowledged that Vieira’s disciplinary record raises some eyebrows, he will be termed a passionate footballer for the sake of this analysis. Rayan Philippe’s occasionally arrogant behavior can also be overlooked in light of his contributions to the team. Vuskovic has netted two Bundesliga goals, while Lokonga, Vieira, and Philippe have collectively contributed four league scoring points.

The much-touted “Rocky-Rambo” midfield duo of Nicolai Remberg and Nicolas Capaldo turned out to be less impressive than advertised, yet both players have become dependable components in coach Polzin’s lineup. Remberg’s midfield performance has been commendable, and Capaldo has excelled since transitioning to a defensive role. Although Giorgi Gocholeishvili’s recent form has declined, he shares responsibilities with William Mikelbrencis, and the recently acquired Georgian has shown promise as a right wing-back.

To date, Kuntz and sporting director Claus Costa have successfully integrated seven new players into the squad, with most performing exceptionally well. One notable exception has been Comoros international Warmed Omari, who showed promise until sidelined by a ligament injury after matchday five. Ironically, his injury allowed Capaldo to adapt and thrive in a new position, rendering Omari’s situation a success in an unintentional way. Unfortunately, the performance of Jordan Torunarigha has been disappointing, qualifying him as a significant flop, while Bayern keeper Daniel Peretz has been an unwelcome distraction.

Assessing the captaincy of Yussuf Poulsen is challenging, as the unexpected choice has resulted in injuries that may keep him sidelined for an extended period. Despite scoring a crucial match-winner and contributing intangible leadership qualities in the locker room, the situation remains unfortunate, especially given the demotion of Sebastian Schonlau.

Although Davie Selke evokes less sympathy, his presence could have benefitted the team in their first season back in the top flight. It is reasonable to conclude that Kuntz, Costa, and Polzin mismanaged the attack’s personnel, particularly regarding their failure to offload Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer before the transfer window closed. Improvement is necessary in this area moving forward.

Promoted clubs often face challenges in restructuring their rosters, as the removal of lower-level talent requires time. Some players have proven themselves capable in the new division, like Mikelbrencis, Daniel Elfadli, Miro Muheim, Fabio Baldé, Jen-Luc Dompé, and Bakery Jatta, who have all impressed this season.

Conversely, players such as Noah Katterbach, Silvan Hefti, Emir Sahiti, and Immanuel Pherai may find themselves on the move in January if suitable offers arise. Königsdörffer, Guilherme Ramos, and Jonas Meffert are on expiring contracts and will likely be transferred as soon as an opportunity presents itself. There are rumors that Holstein Kiel has already secured a deal for midfielder Meffert, with interest from several 2. Bundesliga clubs in the other two.

The HSV administration aims to loan out younger prospects, including defender Aboubaka Soumahoro and attacker Alexander Røssing-Lelesiit, both of whom have shown potential in Bundesliga appearances this season. Hamburg is preparing to engage with multiple 2. Bundesliga clubs for potential deals.

**Dead-Weight Ledger:** Daniel Peretz (GK), Noah Katterbach (LB), Aboubaka Soumahoro (CB), Silvan Hefti (RB), Emir Sahiti (CM), Immanuel Pherai (ATTM)
**Expiring Contracts:** Guilherme Ramos (CB), Jonas Meffert (CM), Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer (CF)

Rumors surrounding Damion Downs appear credible, while other speculations remain largely idle. Hamburg is reportedly one of the Bundesliga clubs vying for Hoffenheim’s reserve star Ayoube Amaimouni-Echghouyab. The 21-year-old, alongside soon-to-be-confirmed Eintracht Frankfurt signing Younes Ebnoutalib, aims to elevate their rising form to the German top flight, suggesting that we will hear more about these late bloomers in the coming month.

**Further Needs:** LB, ADM, CM, LW, CF
**Rumored Links:** Raoul Petretta (LB), Arne Maier (CM), Ayoube Amaimouni-Echghouyab (RW), Damion Downs (CF), Danylo Sikan (CF), Sidiki Cherif (CF)

GGFN | Peter Weis