Hamburger SV are set to bolster their attack with the signing of Patson Daka. The 27-year-old Zambian international will complete a medical in Hamburg on Tuesday and sign a contract running until summer 2027 with a one-year extension option. The move makes Daka the Rothosen’s first summer arrival as they look to replace outgoing forwards Ransford Königsdörffer and others.

What happened?

Daka joins on a free transfer after Leicester City opted not to renew his contract. The deal is low-risk for HSV: if the striker underperforms, the club can walk away after one season without financial obligations. HSV values DAKA’S Bundesliga experience from last season in the Championship, though his Premier League 2024/25 return was modest with just nine goals in 34 games before Leicester’s further drop into the third tier.

Why does the transfer matter for HSV?

The Rothosen lost three strikers this summer: Robert Glatzel (32) for €1.7m to Wolfsburg, Königsdörffer on a free to Mainz, and Damion Downs returned after his Southampton loan flopped. Daka is expected to replace Königsdörffer’s pace and finishing. While he has netted 40 goals this season, his last two years in England were turbulent – first a drop to the Championship, then relegation to the third tier.

What’s next?

After clearing his medical and signing, Daka will join the HSV training camp in Austria. The club is already eyeing a second forward to further strengthen the attack. HSV currently sit 13th with 38 points and five behind Bayern, having gone win-draw-draw-loss-loss in their last five games (LDDWW), including a 2-3 loss to Rapid Vienna on July 18.