HSV eye more signings: two areas need fixing most urgently! | OneFootball

Depending on whom you ask or where you look it up, HSV could still sign three or even five new players this summer.

There is general agreement that the main problem areas for the Rothosen right now are central defense, both wing-back positions, and centre-forward. If the desired transfer of Fabio Vieira also goes through, HSV could indeed end up bringing in five more new signings.

However, it is just as possible that only three players will ultimately arrive. If the Vieira deal falls through and the club’s leadership decides to cover the defensive flanks with a versatile player for both sides, the number of remaining problem areas would be reduced significantly.

In any case, signing a left-back does not currently seem to be the top priority. Top talent Louis Lemke has looked too strong in training sessions as well as in the friendlies against Rapid Vienna (2:3) and 1. FC Heidenheim (3:1). HSV may actually send the 16-year-old into the season as the nominal backup to established starter Miro Muheim, trusting that the planned reinforcement for the right side could also fill in on the left if needed.

Photo: IMAGO

HSV’s biggest need is in defense

The need for action is currently much greater on the right flank. Following the departures of William Mikelbrencis and Giorgi Gocholeishvili, Merlin Polzin now only has Bakery Jatta available there. The Gambian did a solid job last season and is without any doubt an absolute model professional. However, HSV is unlikely to view him as the undisputed first-choice player and at the same time the only option on that side. Signing another wing-back is therefore likely to be very high on sporting director Claus Costa’s to-do list. Bitter news for the Hamburg club: HSV will very likely miss out on top target Elias Baum.

It is also still completely unclear who will take over the center of the back three in the future and thus succeed Luka Vuskovic. In the most recent friendlies, Jordan Torunarigha played there. Ideally, however, the 29-year-old is intended for the left center-back position. The fact that the defense is currently no longer the team’s standout strength compared to last season was exposed rather ruthlessly by four goals conceded in two matches. Accordingly, it will be important to present a new organizer, ideally well before the Bundesliga season begins.

The search for another striker is not quite as urgent, however. Thanks to Patson Daka’s strong start, HSV likely feels well equipped in attack, at least for the moment. In addition, Otto Stange returned from his national team break a few days ago, Yussuf Poulsen has so far come through pre-season without injury, and Rayan Philippe has recently made a strong impression in a more central role. HSV will still bring in an additional goalscorer, but it cannot be ruled out that he will only join at a much later stage of the transfer window.

For the time being, then, the defense is likely to be the top priority. HSV needs two players there with starting-quality.

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