Hamburger SV faces second-season test as squad rebuilds around new arrivals
Manager Merlin Polzin retains his post for a second Bundesliga campaign, but the club must replace key departures and integrate new signings to avoid the pitfalls of newly promoted teams.
Hamburger SV enters the 2026/27 Bundesliga campaign with a mandate to consolidate its position in Germany’s top flight. Following a successful 2025/26 season that secured their return to the division, the club faces the common challenge of avoiding "second-season syndrome," a phenomenon that frequently impacts newly promoted sides. Manager Merlin Polzin remains in charge, tasked with guiding the squad through a period of significant transitional change.
The primary objective for the coaching staff is to replace the influence of two pivotal players who departed this summer. Fábio Vieira has returned to Arsenal after his loan spell, while Luka Vušković left the club once his loan from Tottenham ended. Both players were instrumental in the previous campaign, making their replacements a critical focus for the club’s transfer strategy.
To address these gaps, Hamburger SV has been active in the transfer market. The most prominent defensive addition is Sebastiaan Bornauw, who arrived from Leeds United on loan to bolster the centre-back position. In midfield, the club secured the services of Martin Adeline from Troyes and Bilal Nadir from Marseille. Additionally, the permanent transfer of Albert Grønbæk, previously on loan, represents a key piece of business as the Danish midfielder looks to establish himself as a central figure in Polzin’s system.
On the attacking front, the arrival of Patson Daka from Leicester City in July has provided immediate impact. The Zambia international joined the squad for their training camp in Austria and has shown promising form in pre-season friendlies, where the team averaged two goals per game. Daka’s addition aims to strengthen an attacking line that was depleted by the summer departures of Robert Glatzel and Ransford Königsdörffer.
The club’s preparations culminated in a 3-0 victory over third-tier side SC Verl in the first round of the DFB-Pokal. The match served as a platform for both established and emerging talent, with Grønbæk scoring twice. The final goal was scored by 16-year-old Louis Lemke, a performance that saw him break the club record for the youngest competitive goalscorer, surpassing a mark previously held by legend Uwe Seeler.
As the Bundesliga season approaches, the focus shifts to whether the new acquisitions can seamlessly integrate into Polzin’s tactical framework. While the pre-season results suggest a productive period, the true test will be maintaining consistency against top-flight opposition. The success of the 2026/27 campaign will likely hinge on the club’s ability to balance the experience of its core squad with the potential of its younger players.
