Football Season Guide

Hamburger SV finally returned to the Bundesliga after a seven-year gap following a second place finish in the 2.Bundesliga though it was not without some drama, especially in the final weeks of the campaign. At one time it looked like Hamburg would not be able to pose any challenge for promotion but a change in managers midway through the season and the appointment of Merlin Polzin as the permanent coach turned the campaign around, though there was some nervousness in the final weeks that saw Hamburg win just two of their final six games. Polzin has a tougher task on his hands as he looks to avoid a straight drop back to the second division. Hamburg suffered a big blow in the transfer window after top scorer Davie Selke decided not to renew his contract. Ludovit Reis was a key played in the midfield but has since been sold to Club Brugge while Andras Nemeth and Matheo Raab have also moved on. Hamburg though have made a couple of good signings with Yussuf Poulsen and Jordan Torunarigha both arriving on free transfers to provide some much needed Bundesliga experience. Nicolai Remberg has been signed as replacement for Reis and he did enjoy a decent campaign for the relegated Holstein Kiel. Rayan Philippe enjoyed a good season for Braunschweig and will now be tested in the top division while Warmed Omari and Giorgi Gocholeishvili will provide depth to the squad. Daniel Peretz has been signed on loan from Bayern Munchen and could very likely start the new season as the first choice ahead of Daniel Heuer Fernandes. Hamburg do have a decent squad heading into the new campaign and their immediate aim will be to ensure they are able to extend their stay in the top flight beyond this season.