TV pundit is a big fan: how HSV pulled off the Lokonga coup | OneFootball

With his equalizer to make it 1-1, Albert Sambi Lokonga became the derby hero. The new signing can also call himself HSV’s top scorer.

A look at HSV’s top scorer list might even surprise some of the club’s most attentive observers. Alongside striker Rayan Philippe, it is Albert Sambi Lokonga who leads the team’s internal rankings. The central midfielder has already scored three goals, including the crucial equalizer in the 3-2 derby win over Werder Bremen.

The 26-year-old Belgian has become an indispensable part of the newly promoted team just a few months after his arrival. He also has strong arguments in his favor to be considered perhaps the biggest bargain in the Bundesliga.

HSV paid just 300,000 euros to FC Arsenal on deadline day. An amount that even DAZN expert Nils Petersen found astonishing. “I didn’t know you could still get anything in the Bundesliga for 300,000 euros,” said the former striker appreciatively during the derby broadcast. Petersen praised Lokonga several times for his fine solo effort leading to the 1-1 goal.

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How HSV managed to secure Lokonga

But how did Hamburg pull off this coup? The story behind it goes back years. As Bild reports, then Leverkusen scout and now HSV sporting director Claus Costa was already following Lokonga closely in 2018. A transfer wasn’t possible at the time, but Costa never forgot the talented strategist.

After Costa’s move to HSV, Lokonga remained on the scouting department’s radar, with his development, fitness, and availability tracked over the years. Even during his loan spells at Crystal Palace, Luton Town, and Sevilla, the right-footer stayed in the club’s sights.

When Lokonga, after several loan moves, had enough of constant changes and was looking for a fresh start, HSV was ready immediately. Years of groundwork, perfect timing, and an early recognition of the opportunity ultimately gave the northern club a decisive edge over the competition. What a coup!

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