Team

Jonas Meffert completes move to KSV Holstein

After four and a half years at Hamburger SV, the 31-year-old midfielder is returning to second-division side Holstein Kiel. Claus Costa: “Meffo was the embodiment of consistency, reliability and team spirit.”

Hamburger SV and Jonas Meffert will go their separate ways today, as the 31-year-old midfielder joins 2. Bundesliga club Holstein Kiel with immediate effect. The Cologne native previously played for Kiel from 2018 to 2021 before moving to HSV ahead of the 2021/22 season, where he went on to make 146 competitive appearances, more than for any other club in his career.

“Meffo has been a defining figure in our team over recent years and has been a fantastic servant to the club. We wish him all the very best for the next chapter of his journey and will always welcome him warmly at the Volksparkstadion,” emphasised board member Eric Huwer when highlighting the importance of the long-serving midfielder.

“Meffo was the embodiment of consistency, reliability and team spirit. Precisely for that reason, it was never in doubt for us that, with a change of scenery offering him the prospect of more playing time, we would find a solution together,” explained director of football Claus Costa before adding: “Promotion back to the Bundesliga in the summer was certainly the highlight. However, over many years, Meffo was a cornerstone of our team, distinguished by a high level of dependability and footballing quality. He was an outstanding teammate who always knew how to make those around him better. In addition, he took on a great deal of responsibility within the group and consistently placed the collective above his own ego.”

Crucial role

After joining HSV in the summer of 2021, Jonas Meffert immediately took on a key role for the Rothosen. His great value became particularly evident in his absence: it was only during the recent promotion-winning 2024/25 season that HSV managed to win a league match without Meffert for the first time since his move to the club, recording a 3-1 victory away at Karlsruher SC in early December 2024, after previously failing to win any of six matches without him (two draws, four defeats).

It therefore seemed only fitting that the dependable partnership between HSV and the long-serving vice-captain and member of the team council was crowned with a return to the Bundesliga in May 2025. While HSV returned to the top flight after seven years, Meffert – following his Bundesliga debut for SC Freiburg in 2016 and a total of 271 second-division appearances for Karlsruher SC, Holstein Kiel and HSV – was able to add further Bundesliga matches to his record during the current 2025/26 season.

Speaking about his departure from HSV, Meffert said: “It is incredibly difficult for me, because wearing the HSV shirt and playing at the Volksparkstadion was always something very special. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone associated with HSV for the past four and a half years. My special thanks also go to the fans: you made this time unforgettable. I wish the club the greatest possible success for the future, because this club is simply incredible.”