Could this work? Failed flops tipped to rescue Bundesliga giants! | OneFootball

The transfer window was almost over when HSV presented their fans with a real blockbuster: Fábio Vieira and Albert Sambi Lokonga moved from FC Arsenal to the Elbe on Deadline Day.

The Vieira deal, in particular, initially seemed like a completely unrealistic FIFA transfer. "How did a player with a market value of 22 million euros fall into our hands?" many supporters of the Rothosen must have rightly asked themselves.

Check out our new FanShop and buy jerseys, shorts, and other HSV merchandise! Just click here and take a look at our offers 🛒🛍️

But it is also clear: Both midfielders could prove to be real game changers. Because as much as one could label the newcomers as "failed," their great potential is equally undeniable.

Too good for HSV?

Nevertheless, it initially seems absurd. Two players who not too long ago were on the fringes of Arsenal's starting eleven are now joining HSV. In a team that didn't score a single goal in the first two Bundesliga weeks and is likely to fight against relegation until the 34th matchday.

But if you look closer, you quickly realize: This could be a pretty smart deal for both sides. The North Germans get two highly talented players with international experience. In return, Vieira and Lokonga receive a stage where they can finally show again why they once cost over 50 million euros combined.

The unrecognized midfield talent

Sambi Lokonga is one of those players where you wonder: Why didn't it work out in England? Anyone who sees him in possession of the ball immediately understands why he was once Vincent Kompany's favorite. At RSC Anderlecht, the current Bayern coach appointed him captain at the age of just 21.

The Belgian is a modern six-eight hybrid who can read the game like a veteran. He remains cool under pressure, with an eye and courage for risky passes.

Lokonga operates resistant to pressing and can control his team's possession phases from a deep position. And that's exactly where HSV is currently lacking: There is a lack of structure in the build-up and especially of calmness and ball security in the center. The newcomers Nicolás Capaldo and Nicolai Remberg have their strengths primarily in defense.

📸 Julian Finney - 2022 Getty Images

So is Lokonga the solution? That's hard to predict! Loaned to FC Sevilla, he played only 22 La Liga games last season. He missed a total of 13 matches due to injury. The year before, it was even 24! The 25-year-old thus has a well-filled medical record.

But: His potential is still clearly recognizable, making the Deadline Day move to HSV so exciting.

Failed due to timing, not talent?

Perhaps even more exciting is the case of Fábio Vieira. Three years ago, Arsenal dug deep into their pockets to pry the playmaker away from FC Porto for a whopping 35 million euros. Back then, he was considered one of the most exciting creative players in Europe. Someone with a good eye, a strong left foot, and many ideas in the final third.

When the Gunners took off in 2022/2023 and subsequently became runners-up three times in a row, Vieira was simply overtaken by the high quality of his new teammates. He could only make an impact here and there as a substitute. Overall, his playing time was far from sufficient, which is why he was loaned back to Porto last summer.

📸 CHARLY TRIBALLEAU - AFP or licensors

But in his old home, he once again hit poor timing: Instability and chaos prevailed at the Dragons, and the coach was changed twice. Ultimately, the Portuguese top club ended the season with the lowest points tally in over ten years and barely made it into the Champions League.

Nevertheless: Talent doesn't just disappear. Vieira brings creativity, technical finesse, and a playfulness that HSV never even came close to possessing before. Even during his Porto loan, he collected eleven scorer points across competitions. A similar output in the Bundesliga is definitely within the realm of possibility!

A lot to lose - and to gain!

Of course, such transfers are still a risk. Lokonga is extremely injury-prone, Vieira has mostly been a fringe figure in recent years. And both have to adapt to a new league, new teammates, and a new coach.

But that could be the key: HSV offers the duo a fresh start, and Vieira, in particular, is likely to immediately get the keys to the offense. Two (initially) failed players are supposed to ensure that the former Bundesliga dinosaur doesn't get relegated again after seven years in the second division. Will this plan work out?

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

📸 Alex Pantling - 2023 Getty Images