HSV bargain Lokonga was even cheaper than first thought! | OneFootball

HSV do not have a true goal scorer this season. No fewer than five different players share the top mark of five goals each.

Sambi Lokonga is one of them. Alongside his strengths as a deep-lying playmaker, the Belgian has also impressed up front, most recently scoring the temporary 2–0 in the 2–3 defeat in Dortmund.

But Lokonga is not only making positive headlines on the pitch. As has now become known, he was even significantly cheaper than previously assumed. Instead of the reported €300,000, HSV paid only €100,000 to Arsenal FC. Sport Bild reports on this bargain-basement fee, which seems almost absurd in today’s professional football.

Photo: Getty Images

HSV have been tracking Lokonga for years

The 26-year-old is therefore not only a key performer and undisputed starter, but probably also the biggest bargain in the league. Claus Costa deserves a large share of the credit for this blockbuster deal. Back in 2018, HSV’s current sporting director was already closely monitoring the central midfielder—at the time still working as a scout in Leverkusen. A move did not materialize then, but Costa never lost sight of Lokonga.

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Contact remained through HSV’s scouting network during his spells at Crystal Palace, Luton Town and Sevilla FC as well. When the Rothosen returned to the Bundesliga and Lokonga himself was looking for a fresh start, Costa struck decisively.

As a reward, he landed a key player for an absurdly low price. This combination of patience, preparation and perfect timing has paid off in full for HSV. Or to put it another way: this bargain is even more impressive than anyone already thought.

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