Hamburger SV are reportedly eyeing a move for South Korea left-back Tae-seok Lee from Austria Wien. The 23-year-old defender joined the Austrian side last August for 800,000 euros and has a contract running until June 2029. According to LaOla1.at, initial talks between HSV officials and the Vienna club are already underway.

What do we know about Tae-seok Lee?

Lee switched from Pohang Steelers to Austria Wien on 2 August 2025 and made 30 appearances in the Austrian Bundesliga, contributing eight goal involvements (three goals). At the 2026 World Cup in South Korea, he featured twice and remains in form. His market value is pegged at two million euros by Transfermarkt.de, with a 34 percent chance of a move.

Why could this transfer suit HSV?

Hamburger SV recently signed Patson Daka, another player with Austrian experience, and continues to seek defensive solidity. Lee brings international pedigree and could bolster the HSV backline in the Bundesliga. The team’s last five games ended 2W-2D-1L, yet the defense remains shaky, as shown by the 2-3 loss to Rapid Wien on 18 July 2026.

How realistic is the transfer?

Sky Austria already reported early talks, but no concrete offer has emerged yet. Lee’s contract runs until summer 2029, yet HSV could secure him for around two million euros. If completed, he would become the fourth South Korean player in the club’s history after Heung-min Son.

Hamburger SV currently sit 13th in the Bundesliga with 38 points from 34 games and a goal difference of minus 14 (40 scored, 54 conceded). With 51 points behind leaders Bayern München, the title race is effectively over, but the club is hunting for stability.