Hamburger SV defender Aboubaka Soumahoro has joined RCD Mallorca on a season-long loan deal, the German club confirmed on Friday. The 21-year-old will spend the 2026/27 campaign in Spain’s second division, seeking regular first-team football after a difficult spell with AS Saint-Étienne.
Soumahoro failed to make a single appearance during his loan at Saint-Étienne in the latter half of last season, prompting Hamburger SV to seek another temporary move for the young centre-back. Sporting director Claus Costa explained the decision was made to facilitate Soumahoro’s development, stating that consistent playing time is crucial at this stage of his career.
“Abou’s loan spell at Saint-Étienne over the past six months didn’t go the way we had hoped,” Costa said. “In order to take the next step in his development, he needs regular minutes. That’s why we’ve decided on another loan for him.”
Costa also highlighted the suitability of RCD Mallorca as a destination, believing Soumahoro will have a greater opportunity to feature prominently in the team than he would at Hamburger SV. The club will continue to monitor his progress throughout the season. “In RCD Mallorca, we’ve found a suitable solution where he has a better chance of getting game time than he would have with us. We’ll keep a close eye on him over the coming year and wish him all the very best.”
Soumahoro initially joined Hamburger SV in January 2024 from Italian side Juventus, signing a contract until June 2027. He has made 12 appearances for HSV across all competitions, but has largely been used as a rotational player. The loan move to Mallorca represents a chance for the Ivory Coast-born defender to establish himself as a regular starter and gain valuable experience in a different footballing environment. This move could prove pivotal in determining his long-term future with Hamburger SV.
The loan provides Mallorca with a potentially valuable addition to their squad, bolstering their defensive options as they aim to compete in La Liga 2. Soumahoro’s physical attributes and defensive capabilities will be assessed throughout the season, with the hope he can become a key component of the team’s backline.
