Hamburger SV are in advanced talks to sign Patson Daka following the forward’s release from Leicester City, according to reports in Germany. The Bundesliga 2 side are hoping to add the Zambian international to their squad ahead of the new season, with Bild reporting that a deal could be finalized within days.
Daka became a free agent at the end of June when his contract with Leicester City expired. The 27-year-old arrived at the King Power Stadium in 2021 for a reported fee of €30 million from RB Salzburg, where he had established himself as a prolific goalscorer. He departs Leicester having scored 29 goals and registered 18 assists in 165 appearances across all competitions.
During his time with the Foxes, Daka experienced periods of both starting appearances and a role from the bench, often competing with Jamie Vardy and others for a place in the starting eleven. While he demonstrated flashes of his goalscoring ability, including a Premier League hat-trick against Brighton & Hove Albion in October 2022, consistent starts proved elusive. Last season, Daka made 25 appearances, scoring five goals, but started only eight Premier League matches.
Hamburger SV finished 14th in the Bundesliga 2 last season, scoring 46 goals in 34 matches. They are currently undertaking a rebuild under manager Steffen Baumgart, and see Daka as a key addition to bolster their attacking options. The club is looking to improve its goalscoring record and mount a stronger challenge in the league this coming season.
The potential arrival of Daka would provide Baumgart with a proven goalscorer and a player capable of leading the line. If the transfer is completed, it represents a significant coup for Hamburger SV, securing a player with Premier League experience on a free transfer, and could signal their ambition for a promotion push.
