From the academy to the Bundesliga? HSV have big plans for Nandja | OneFootball

The past few weeks must have felt like a dream for Shafiq Nandja. The HSV youngster got to feature in the Bundesliga twice in quick succession.

After a brief appearance against SC Freiburg (3-2), Merlin Polzin showed faith in Nandja for around 20 minutes in the away match at Bayer Leverkusen (1-1). The Hamburg academy product was not tested much, but overall he left a calm and composed impression.

Regardless of the last two matches, those in charge at Volkspark think very highly of Nandja. According to Mopo, the 19-year-old, who would still have been eligible to play for the U19s this season, is set to sign his first professional contract very soon. The deal has reportedly already been negotiated and will run for four years. HSV are therefore planning for the long term with their talent, who was signed in 2018 at the tender age of 11.

Photo: IMAGO

This is how HSV plan to use Nandja!

But Nandja is not only highly regarded at HSV in the long term. In the short term as well, the decision-makers believe he is ready for the next step in his development. As Mopo reports, the centre-back is already being considered as a regular alternative behind the first-choice lineup for next season. His previous shuttling between the U21s and the senior squad could therefore soon be a thing of the past.

In the season just ended, Nandja still played most of his minutes in the Regionalliga Nord. The youngster made 24 appearances for the Rothosen reserves, contributing one goal and one assist.

Nur die Raute – by HSV fans for HSV fans

In the Bundesliga, he is unlikely to get anything like that amount of playing time. However, how good his chances ultimately are of securing a permanent place in the senior squad and regular minutes will depend largely on two factors: his development during pre-season and HSV’s activity in the transfer market.

Will HSV sign more defensive players? Could an experienced player like Daniel Elfadli possibly leave the club? The answers to these questions will have a direct impact on Nandja’s role. One thing is already clear, though: the Hanseatic club’s top talent is to be moved step by step into the front line.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.