Official: French midfielder joins HSV on a free! | OneFootball

HSV have completed their next summer signing. As the Rothosen confirmed on Friday, midfielder Bilal Nadir is joining the club on a free transfer from French top-flight side Olympique Marseille.

According to consistent media reports, the 22-year-old has signed a long-term contract with HSV until 2029. Nadir has already arrived at the training camp in Oberlängenfeld and is set to train with his new teammates for the first time on Friday.

Particularly noteworthy: HSV apparently beat out prominent competition in the race for the Morocco U23 international. According to French media, VfB Stuttgart and Eintracht Frankfurt were among the clubs recently interested in Nadir. Nevertheless, the midfielder opted for a move to the Volkspark. “I’m very happy to now be an HSV player. I can hardly wait to meet the HSV fans and play for Hamburg,” Nadir said enthusiastically.

The youngster is regarded as a technically gifted and versatile midfielder who can play both as a No. 8 and in more advanced roles. His dynamism, resistance under pressure, and ability to carry the ball across large areas of the pitch are considered among his greatest strengths. Last season, Nadir gained valuable experience at the highest level. He made 20 Ligue 1 appearances for Olympique Marseille and also featured four times in the Champions League.

Photo: IMAGO

HSV sign Champions League player

However, the new arrival does not come to Hamburg without a history. At the beginning of 2024, Nadir suffered a cruciate ligament tear and was sidelined for several months. He also caused concern when he collapsed during a league match against SCO Angers in October 2025. After extensive medical examinations, however, the doctors gave the all-clear, and he was back on the pitch just a few weeks later.

Much to the frustration of many French fans, Nadir did not renew his expiring contract in Marseille. HSV are now benefiting from that as they strengthen their squad with another highly talented player. “Bilal is a very versatile and adaptable player who can fill various roles in midfield. With his signing, we gain additional flexibility in this area of the team and further strengthen our squad in both quality and depth,” said board member for sport Kathleen Krüger. Sporting director Claus Costa also praised the newcomer’s “high-intensity style of play.” He will wear the No. 4 shirt in the future.

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