Leicester forward expected to join Bundesliga side on short-term deal
Patson Daka, the 27-year-old forward who departed Leicester City at the end of his contract this summer, is close to agreeing terms with Hamburger SV, German reports indicate.
Media outlets in Germany, including BILD and Sky Deutschland, say the club have identified Daka as a target and that the striker is set to sign a one-year contract with an option for a further 12 months. There are claims he could be included in the Hamburg squad for their pre-season camp in Austria.
Daka spent five seasons on the books at the King Power Stadium after joining Leicester from Red Bull Salzburg for a fee reported at around £22 million in 2022. Across that spell he made 165 appearances and scored 29 goals, according to the available reports.
His exit leaves City, who suffered relegation last season as part of a difficult campaign, with fewer options up front. The club have already seen other departures and arrivals this summer, and manager recruitment priorities were highlighted in recent weeks.
- Age: 27
- Time at Leicester: Five years
- Appearances for City: 165
- Goals for City: 29
- Reported transfer fee to City (2022): ~£22 million
Hamburg have been described as seeking attacking reinforcements following several departures this summer, with younger and veteran strikers leaving the club. Reports name Ransford Königsdörffer, Robert Glatzel and loanee Damion Downs among those to depart, creating room in the squad.
| Detail | Figure |
|---|---|
| Contract length reported | 1 year (+ option) |
| Leicester appearances | 165 |
| Leicester goals | 29 |
From a Leicester perspective, Daka’s likely move is the latest chapter in a summer of change following the club’s difficult recent seasons. The striker had mixed fortunes at City, contributing goals but also being part of campaigns that ended in relegation. He has been unattached since leaving at the close of his contract.
For Hamburg, signing Daka would represent a low-risk short-term option to bolster their forward line while they continue to build a squad for the coming season. For supporters in Leicester, the move will mark the definitive end of a five-year association between player and club.
We will update this report when both clubs or the player make an official announcement.
