Baldé on interest from Portugal’s top clubs: “Focus firmly on HSV“ | OneFootball

Fabio Baldé has been playing for Portugal’s youth national teams for several months now, which has also brought him into the national spotlight.

Earlier this week, Bild reported that the country’s three leading clubs — FC Porto, Sporting, and Benfica — are all keeping an eye on the winger. “Of course I noticed it and read about it as well. Obviously, it makes me happy to be linked with clubs like that. But my focus is very clearly on HSV,” Baldé stressed in an interview with Mopo, while also pointing to his contract, which runs until 2029.

His father, described as an “absolute Benfica ultra,” has a clear preference, but Baldé himself said he had “basically only ever looked at the Bundesliga.” With his performances in the 2. Bundesliga, Baldé earned a call-up to Germany’s U20 national team and made four appearances there. This season then saw his surprising switch to Portugal — made possible by his dual citizenship.

Photo: IMAGO

Baldé explains association switch

“The decision wasn’t easy. After all, you’re representing an entire country, and that’s not something you decide overnight. I took my time, spoke with my family, and in the end listened to my heart,” Baldé explained about his decision. A sporting reason also played a key role: “I believe I have a better chance of getting playing time with Portugal.”

The HSV academy product has already featured for the U21s and scored on his debut in the European Championship qualifier against Gibraltar. Portugal is expected to qualify for the 2027 final tournament in Albania and Serbia. It is seen as a major opportunity to put oneself forward for bigger tasks. Baldé, who attracted serious interest from Burnley FC among others in the summer, has hardly been able to do that over the course of the season. In total, partly due to several minor injuries, he has made 14 competitive appearances, with many of his substitute outings being only brief.

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However, his only goal contribution remains memorable for many HSV observers. In the last-minute win over VfB Stuttgart, Baldé set up Fábio Vieira’s 2–1 winner with a solo run from near halfway. The return match takes place tomorrow, Sunday. Given the small squad, the Hamburg-born player has a realistic chance of catching the eye again against Stuttgart.

Photo: Getty Images

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