Sport Bild and the Hamburger Abendblatt report that Hamburg are close to signing former Leicester City striker Patson Daka on a free transfer. Daka, a 57-times-capped Zambian international, became a free agent on July 1 when Leicester did not renew his contract after five years with the club. The 27-year-old’s current market value is estimated at €3 million, while Leicester had previously paid €30 million to acquire him.
Patson Daka could join Hamburg this week
As they prepare for their second season in the German top flight, Hamburg SV needs to bolster their attacking options to ensure their survival in the Bundesliga. Last season, the team managed to score only 40 goals in the league, with no striker in the squad scoring more than five goals over the course of the season.
Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer, who scored five goals, and Robert Glatzel, who netted three, have already left the club. The loanees Philip Otele (Basel) and Damion Downs (Southampton) have returned to their parent clubs without making a significant impact.
Although Hamburg retains the experienced Rayan Philippe, Yussuf Poulsen is presently the only other natural center forward in the squad. Given Poulsen’s persistent injury troubles, the urgency to acquire another striker is heightened.
Daka has extensive experience in Austria, having played a combined six seasons for Red Bull Salzburg and FC Liefering, and he speaks German fluently. Thus, pending a successful medical examination, a deal could be finalized swiftly.