Transfer expert hails HSV chief: “A young Uli Hoeneß” | OneFootball

HSV caused quite a stir on the final day of the transfer window. No fewer than three high-profile new signings put pen to paper at the Volkspark.

Combined, Fabio Vieira (€18 million), Zakaria El Ouahdi (€17 million), and David Möller Wolfe (€12 million) have a market value of a hefty €47 million. HSV, however, landed the trio for a relatively modest €17 million. Vieira and El Ouahdi joined for well below their market value, while for the loaned Möller Wolfe only a loan fee of €600,000 is due. According to several media reports, the Rothosen will have a purchase option in the double-digit million range next summer.

The unanimous view is this: HSV significantly strengthened its squad in the closing stages of this transfer window. As a result, sporting director Claus Costa, who was for a long time quite a controversial figure, is being widely credited with doing an outstanding job well beyond the HSV fan base.

HSV posts a significant increase in market value

Even die-hard transfer experts are impressed by the 42-year-old. During one of his many live appearances on Deadline Day, Sky journalist Florian Plettenberg even allowed himself a very special comparison. “Claus Costa is a young Uli Hoeneß to me,” he said approvingly.

Photo: IMAGO

Whether such an enthusiastic statement is justified or not, the fact that Costa is being compared to a manager who was regarded for several decades as the Bundesliga’s most accomplished dealmaker definitely speaks in his favor. In fact, the former chief scout has pulled off a remarkable feat. Already in the second year after promotion, he has given Merlin Polzin a squad that is more than competitive.

In the past two weeks alone, Costa increased the team’s market value by a whopping 54 percent — from €101.15 million to €155.95 million. Compared across the league, the Rothosen now rank 12th. It is now up to Polzin and his coaching staff to guide the team into those heights on the pitch as well.

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