HSV Coach Polzin Hints at New Transfer Amidst Pre-Season Preparations
Hamburg, August 2, 2026 – Hamburger SV coach Merlin Polzin has hinted at the possible arrival of a new player as the team gears up for the upcoming season. The suggestion came during the Volksparkfestival on Saturday, following a narrow 2-1 defeat to FC Everton in their first pre-season friendly.
Despite the last-minute loss, Polzin expressed satisfaction with aspects of the team’s performance. “There were many things to see that I already liked,” Polzin stated after the match, which saw an own goal from Jordan Torunarigha in the fourth minute of injury time seal Everton’s victory. He acknowledged areas for improvement but called it a “very successful test to build upon.”
The team is now set to embark on a training camp in Herzogenaurach next week, where they will focus on refining their tactics. Polzin expressed his hope that a new signing might join the squad before then. “We’ll see how many we can take with us. Maybe something else will happen,” he remarked with a grin when asked about the training camp roster.
Everton Test Match: Daka Scores, HSV Loses
The test match against Everton on Saturday evening at the Volksparkstadion saw new signing Patson Daka score his first goal for HSV. However, it wasn’t enough to secure a win, as the team fell 2-1 to the English Premier League side. Everton’s Merlin Röhl opened the scoring in the 40th minute, despite HSV being the more active team. Daka equalized shortly after halftime in the 49th minute, but Torunarigha’s late own goal decided the match.
Captaincy Change: Poulsen Replaced by Remberg
After just one season, Yussuf Poulsen has been replaced as HSV captain by Nicolai Remberg. Coach Merlin Polzin also named Albert Sambi Lokonga and Nicolas Capaldo as vice-captains. Remberg expressed his commitment to his new role, stating, “My career has never been steep, but steadily uphill, because I have always worked on myself – and I will continue to lead by example as captain.” He aims to “lead on and off the pitch” and motivate the team to always give their best.
Poulsen, 32, had a season hampered by injuries, making only 16 appearances and scoring one goal. He is expected to support the new captain trio in an advisory capacity.
HSV Women’s Team Also Faces Everton Defeat
The HSV women’s team also experienced a narrow 1-0 defeat against FC Everton in their pre-season friendly on Saturday. Ornella Vignola scored the winning goal in the 52nd minute. Despite the loss, the HSV women’s team put up a strong performance against the English first-division side, having been unbeaten in their previous five test matches.
New Away Kit Revealed
HSV unveiled its new away kit for the 2026/27 season on Friday. The retro-style kit features blue and white colors, an Adidas Trefoil logo, and a V-neck collar. The design has received mixed reactions from fans on Instagram.
The club had teased the new kit earlier, highlighting the Adidas Trefoil logo, often used for retro jersey re-releases. The club’s social media post, “From 1979/80 to 2026/27,” referenced one of HSV’s most successful seasons, where they reached the European Cup final.
Dompé on the Transfer List
HSV is reportedly looking to offload winger Jean-Luc Dompé this summer, even considering offers below his estimated market value of 2.5 million euros. According to the “Hamburger Abendblatt,” Dompé returned from vacation with poor fitness levels and has been struggling with adductor problems. His contract expires after the season, and he is among the club’s higher earners. Coach Merlin Polzin’s preferred 3-4-2-1 system also does not favor a classic winger.
Poulsen Tops Salary List
Yussuf Poulsen is currently the highest-earning player at Hamburger SV, with an estimated annual basic salary of 1.8 million euros, according to “Sport Bild.” This figure aligns with the club’s self-imposed salary cap. An exception was made for Fábio Vieira, who was on loan from Arsenal in 2025/26 and reportedly earned over two million euros. Poulsen’s move to Hamburg represented a significant financial cut, as he could have earned up to seven million euros with his previous contract at Leipzig.
Vušković’s Return After Doping Ban
Mario Vušković is nearing his return to play for HSV after a four-year doping ban. The club and the Croatian defender are already working on his comeback plan, with details on his training and return to eligibility expected soon.
World Cup Participant Tangvik Returns
Norwegian goalkeeper Sander Tangvik has rejoined HSV training after his World Cup campaign, where his national team surprisingly reached the quarterfinals before being narrowly defeated by England. Tangvik, who served as a backup to Ørjan Nyland, did not make any appearances in the tournament.
HSV Condemns CSD Attack
HSV has issued a statement condemning the attack that occurred during the Berlin Christopher Street Day parade. The club described the incident as an “attack on the foundations of our democracy” and extended its condolences to the victims and their families. “HSV stands for a free society, and we will not let anyone take that away from us,” the club emphasized in an Instagram post.
Medical Emergency During Heidenheim Friendly
A medical emergency occurred during HSV’s 3-1 victory over 1. FC Heidenheim in Kematen, Austria. An elderly man on the stands suffered circulatory problems due to the heat and briefly lost consciousness. HSV team doctor Wolfgang Schillings promptly responded, providing assistance until paramedics arrived.
Bilal Nadir Joins HSV
HSV has signed 22-year-old midfielder Bilal Nadir from Olympique Marseille on a long-term contract. Nadir, who will wear jersey number 4, joined the team’s training camp in Austria after his medical check. Sporting director Claus Costa praised Nadir’s ability to control the game’s rhythm and his versatility in midfield.
Vieira’s Potential Return
Fabio Vieira, who was on loan from Arsenal last season, reportedly wishes to return to HSV for the upcoming season. “Sky Sport” reports that Vieira is impressed with the club, the city, and coach Merlin Polzin. Negotiations between HSV and Arsenal for a potential transfer are ongoing.
Lee Tae-seok Linked to HSV
HSV is reportedly interested in South Korean left-back Tae-seok Lee, who plays for Austria Wien and participated in the recent World Cup. Loose talks have reportedly taken place, but no concrete offer has been made yet.
Diekmeier Returns to Amateur Football
Former HSV professional Dennis Diekmeier, 36, is returning to active football with SpVgg Neckarsteinach in the Heidelberg Kreisklasse A. Diekmeier, who retired from professional football in 2024, aims to strengthen the team and contribute to its long-term development and youth work.
Patson Daka Joins as Striker
Hamburger SV has signed striker Patson Daka from Leicester City on a free transfer. The 27-year-old Zambian international, who has experience in the Premier League, Champions League, and Europa League, is expected to fill the void left by the departures of Robert Glatzel, Ransford Königsdörffer, and Damion Downs. He will wear jersey number 27.
Lewis Holtby Retires
Former German international Lewis Holtby, who played for HSV from 2014 to 2019, has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 35. Holtby had a career spanning 547 professional appearances for ten different clubs.
Second Training Camp in Austria
HSV has commenced its second pre-season training camp in Oberlängenfeld, Austria, with 30 players, including new signings Kofi Amoako and Martin Adeline, and several youth talents. The team will prepare for the new season until next Saturday, concluding the camp with a friendly against 1. FC Heidenheim.
Rapid Wien Friendly: HSV Loses, Newcomer Scores
HSV began its pre-season friendlies with a 3-2 loss to Rapid Wien. Despite goals from Yussuf Poulsen and Albert Grönbaek, Rapid secured the win with two quick goals. Newcomer Patson Daka made his debut in this match.
Rumors of Ludovit Reis’s Return
Rumors are circulating about a potential return of fan-favorite Ludovit Reis to HSV. After a disappointing season with Club Brugge, the Belgian club is reportedly willing to let the midfielder go if a satisfactory offer is made. Reis previously played 129 games for HSV and served as captain during the 2024/25 promotion season.
New Home Kit Unveiled by Fans
The new HSV home kit for the 2026/27 season was unveiled in a special event involving three members of the HSV Supporters Club. The white jersey, featuring a light blue, abstract pattern inspired by the Volksparkstadion membrane, is now available. The kit launch also includes a campaign with HSV professionals Vicky Schulz, Nicolai Remberg, and Shafiq Nandja, focusing on the journey from childhood dreams to professional football.
HSV Women to Open Bundesliga Season at Volksparkstadion
The Hamburger SV women’s football team will kick off their new Bundesliga season with a special home match against SC Freiburg at the Volkparkstadion, instead of their regular home ground, between August 22-24. The schedule also includes an away game against VfB Stuttgart and a North Derby against Werder Bremen.
Alessandro Puzzo Joins U21 Team
The HSV U21 team has signed 18-year-old midfielder Alessandro Puzzo from the 1. FC Köln U19 team. Puzzo, who scored nine goals and provided 14 assists in 34 games for 1. FC Köln in the 2025/26 season, is the fifth reinforcement for the U21 squad.
Luka Vušković Transfers to Brighton
Luka Vušković, 19, has officially transferred to Brighton & Hove Albion for a fee reportedly between 53 and 58 million euros. This makes him Brighton’s most expensive signing and the second most expensive Croatian footballer in history. Despite HSV’s interest in a permanent transfer after his successful loan spell, the financial scale of the deal made it impossible.
First Training Session at Volkspark
The Hamburger SV held its first training session for the new Bundesliga season at the Volkspark, attracting approximately 250 fans. French midfielder Martin Adeline, who comes from ESTAC Troyes, joined the team. Coach Merlin Polzin noted that Adeline brings a unique quality to the squad.
Source: t-online.de, dpa, sid, HSV social media channels, Abendblatt.de, Bild.de, Mopo.de, Transfermarkt.de
