Hamburger SV - injuries & suspensions October 2026

Hamburger SV: 2026/27 season preview

Hamburger SV have now completed their first season back in the Bundesliga. After seven years in the second tier, they managed to avoid another relegation. Merlin Polzin’s side finished the campaign in 13th place, nine points clear of the relegation play-off zone. The start was not easy, but HSV looked increasingly assured in their new surroundings with each passing week. They also took points off stronger opponents, drawing with Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, among others.

Now the bar is being raised. Hamburg’s main aim is to establish themselves in the Bundesliga rather than face another battle for survival. Polzin has been given the chance to continue his work, although he had to deal with several changes to the squad over the summer. Some were forced by the departures of key players, while others stemmed from the need to add depth.

Changes in attack

The most significant loss is Robert Glatzel. HSV’s long-serving striker moved to VfL Wolfsburg. His replacement is expected to be a very different kind of player. Patson Daka joined from Leicester City and can offer pace and runs into space above all. Those are the qualities that should set him apart from Glatzel.

Fábio Baldé also left Hamburg. The winger moved to Strasbourg, leaving Polzin with one fewer attacking option. Yussuf Poulsen has stayed, while Terem Moffi from Nice and Zakaria El Ouahdi from Genk have joined. After making 31 appearances and scoring five goals last season, Rayan Philippe was loaned to SC Paderborn.

Keeping Fábio Vieira was an important move. The Portuguese midfielder played for HSV on loan from Arsenal last season, scoring seven goals and providing five assists in the Bundesliga. The club decided to make the deal permanent. Vieira can play in central midfield but is also effective closer to the penalty area.

Grønbæk among the leaders

A similar move was made for Albert Grønbæk. The Dane had also been on loan and has now joined HSV permanently from Stade Rennes. Last season, he showed that he can be an important figure in attack. He plays in central midfield, although Polzin can also deploy him further forward.

There will also be familiar faces in midfield from last season. Albert Sambi Lokonga, Nicolai Remberg and Immanuel Pherai have stayed. New arrivals include Martin Adeline and Bilal Nadir. Competition for a place in the middle of the pitch will therefore be stronger than it was a year ago.

New faces in defence

HSV have also looked to strengthen their defence. Sebastian Bornauw has joined on loan from Leeds United. The Belgian has Bundesliga experience with 1. FC Köln and VfL Wolfsburg, so he will not need time to get used to the league. In Hamburg, he is expected to bring experience and greater stability to the back line.

David Møller Wolfe has arrived on the left. The Norway international joined on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers. Zakaria El Ouahdi can play on the right, while Warmed Omari, Jordan Torunarigha and Miro Muheim remain in the squad.

Polzin demands intensity

HSV’s style of play is expected to remain much the same. Polzin continues to demand an intense press, quick ball recoveries and an immediate transition into attack. Much of the preparation was devoted to the team’s response after losing and winning back possession.

Replacing players who helped secure survival was a challenge, however. Along with Glatzel and Baldé, Ransford Königsdörffer left the club for Mainz. Łukasz Poręba also departed HSV. After his loan ended, the midfielder opted to join newly promoted SV Elversberg on a permanent deal.

Changes, not a revolution

HSV are not rebuilding the team from scratch. Many players have stayed, but several key positions needed to be filled again. Vieira and Grønbæk have been signed permanently after their loan spells, Daka is expected to take on some of Glatzel’s responsibilities, and Bornauw should strengthen the defence. The key now will be turning those changes into results. After a successful return to the Bundesliga, HSV want to avoid a season in which they spend the final weeks looking nervously over their shoulders.