Loan with option to buy: how HSV are planning Soumahoro’s future | OneFootball

When HSV presented Aboubaka Soumahoro in February 2025, it didn't sound solely like a promise for the future.

"Aboubaka is an immediate reinforcement," said the then sports director Stefan Kuntz at the unveiling of the central defender. A year later, it must be noted that these hopes have not been fulfilled. After only five competitive matches, the 21-year-old defensive talent was loaned to the traditional French club AS Saint-Étienne on the deadline day of the past winter transfer period.

Soumahoro came from Paris FC for around two million euros and was supposed to be developed carefully, but he completely missed the crucial phase of the promotion season due to a tendon tear. He made his Bundesliga debut only in September during a 0-5 loss in Munich. This was followed by three more league appearances, including a starting role in a 3-2 win against Werder Bremen, as well as a brief cup appearance against Kiel, which included a missed penalty. Accordingly, it was clear that the youngster would need more playing time in the future.

The fact that HSV granted Saint-Étienne a purchase option of around five million euros nevertheless caused surprise. According to Mopo information, it is not expected in Volkspark that this option will be exercised in the summer. Rather, the option serves as a safeguard in case Soumahoro makes a significant impact in France.

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HSV wants to "keep an eye on" Soumahoro

Sports director Claus Costa emphasized at the announcement of the loan: "We will continue to keep a close eye on Abou's path and wish him all the best for his time in France." Saint-Étienne's sports director Loïc Perrin also expressed confidence: "Aboubaka is a versatile player. He knows our league. He is athletically gifted and can provide our team with strength and impact."

In any case, Soumahoro must first remain injury-free and gain regular match practice. Only if he develops into an absolute regular player and Saint-Étienne possibly gets promoted to Ligue 2 will exercising the purchase option become realistic. Currently, much suggests that HSV plans to continue with him in the long term.

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