He arrived as a beacon of hope: HSV star turning into a flop | OneFootball

It’s been less than five months since Jordan Torunarigha’s move to HSV. But by now, the new signing isn’t even the second choice anymore.

When Jordan Torunarigha joined Hamburger SV on a free transfer from Belgian first division club KAA Gent this summer, the excitement was huge. The 28-year-old central defender was seen as a potential leader who was supposed to bring stability and experience to HSV’s Bundesliga-inexperienced defense. The competition for Torunarigha was tough, so the transfer was considered a coup. And the contract until 2028 also underlined the great trust placed in him by those in charge. But just a few months later, there is little left of the initial euphoria.

During the 1:4 debacle against 1. FC Köln, Torunarigha was once again on the bench. While his teammates disappeared into the locker room after the final whistle, the former Hertha player had to run extra laps in the empty Rheinenergiestadion.

He actually started out as an undisputed regular during pre-season. But after weak performances in friendlies and an even weaker DFB-Pokal showing against FK Pirmasens (2:1 after extra time), many fans already had their eye on the new signing. In the first two league matches of the season, Torunarigha played the full 90 minutes each time. However, his sporting misery continued unchanged. At the latest, the Achilles tendon injury that followed saw the Nigerian international drop out of the starting eleven for good.

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Torunarigha only the fourth choice at HSV?

He first lost his spot to Wamed Omari. After Omari’s absence, even midfielder Nicolas Capaldo took over in the back three. When Capaldo was also sidelined with injury, Torunarigha still didn’t get another chance. Instead, coach Merlin Polzin opted for Nicolai Remberg, who is also naturally a defensive midfielder.

Polzin explained this decision as follows: “It’s not a decision against anyone, but for an idea.” But for Torunarigha, these words are unlikely to be much comfort. Because the road back to the starting eleven is currently a long one.

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