World Cup with Belgium? HSV star sets ambitious target! | OneFootball

On November 17, 2024, Sambi Lokonga made his last appearance for the Belgian national team. By the World Cup, the HSV ace wants to fight his way back into the squad.

In Hamburg, he has long been one of the standout figures of this season: Sambi Lokonga became a key player without much ado after his deadline-day transfer from Arsenal FC.

His track record so far: three goals this season, an undisputed starting spot, and performances that make him one of the best summer deals in the Bundesliga. The 26-year-old cost just 300,000 euros—even though he has a market value of six million. The Belgian takes the resulting jokes in stride. “I find that funny. Maybe people will soon start calling me 300k,” he is quoted as saying by Bild.

Behind this ease is a player who has a clear plan with his move to HSV. After years full of loans, injuries, and sporting uncertainty, the midfielder is finally experiencing the fresh start he had hoped for on the banks of the Elbe. “I feel like I haven’t played ten games in a row for five years,” he says. But now he is physically stable, completely fit, and delivering consistent performances.

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Lokonga makes it clear: I need “good performances” at HSV

And that’s exactly why he’s looking beyond the club’s borders. Because Lokonga has a big goal: He wants to return to the Belgian national team and be part of the Red Devils next summer in North America. “The World Cup is still on my mind,” he made clear after his stellar performance in the northern derby against Werder Bremen (3:2).

However, this undertaking will not be easy. Lokonga last played for Belgium on November 17, 2024, making at least 23 minutes in the Nations League match against Israel. His previous appearance was even further back—in September 2021, he was on the field against Estonia.

Given the fierce competition in Belgium’s midfield, the right-footer is well aware: “If I want to go to the World Cup, I need good performances at the club. Here is where I want to show my quality and win games.” Lokonga has already made the start of his World Cup campaign in the northern derby.

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