Football Season Guide

Hamburger SV enjoyed a successful return to the Bundesliga last season as they finished clear of the relegation zone, enjoying better and more consistent performances in the second half of the campaign compared to the first. Much of their improvement after the winter break can be traced back to their additions in the January transfer window but Hamburg will be heading into the new campaign without two of their key players in Luka Vuskovic and Fabio Vieira, both of whom have returned to their clubs after the end of their loan spells. Other departures include Giorgi Gocholeishvili, Damion Downs and Philip Otele, all of whom have also seen their loan spells come to an end, while William Mikelbrencis, Ransford Konigsdorffer and Robert Glatzel provided some experience and depth in the defence and attack but have also since moved on. With regards to arrivals, Sebastiaan Bornauw will strengthen coach Polzin's options in defence while Hamburg have also converted Albert Grønbaek's loan move into a permanent transfer. Martin Adeline has been signed from Troyes and is expected to replace some of Vieira's creativity while Kofi Amoako and Bilal Nadir will be improving the depth in the center of the midfield. Patson Daka has been brought in to strengthen the centre-forward position with Hamburg having lost some of their depth in the attack following Glatzel and Konigsdorffer's departures. Hamburg have impressed in the pre-season but will be heading into the campaign with a couple of injury concerns in their defence with both Warmed Omari and Miro Muheim not expected to be ready in time for the first game. Daka has endured a poor goalscoring record with Leicester City while other attacking options for Hamburg include the injury prone Poulsen and youngster Otto Stange.