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Striker Patson Daka joins HSV

The centre-forward arrives at the Rothosen with plenty of Premier League experience under his belt. Claus Costa: “Patson combines energy and pace with a real threat in behind, while also bringing great intensity to our pressing.”

HSV have added to their attacking options with the signing of centre-forward Patson Daka. The 27-year-old, who spent the past five years with Leicester City in England, successfully completed his medical at the Athleticum next to the Volksparkstadion on Tuesday morning (21st July). The Zambia international, who has scored 21 goals in 47 appearances for his country, then travelled to the team’s training camp in Austria, where he signed his contract that evening. Daka will wear the number 27 shirt for HSV.

“With Patson, we have brought in exactly the kind of centre-forward we were looking for. He works extremely hard both in and out of possession and is a team player who always puts the side first. He also brings plenty of experience at international level to the table. We’re convinced that Patson has the qualities to make an immediate difference for us and are delighted to welcome him to HSV,” said HSV board member for sport Kathleen Krüger.

HSV sporting director Claus Costa added: “Patson has a lot of the qualities we want from a striker in our system. He combines energy and pace with a real threat in behind, while also bringing great intensity to our pressing. That gives us more options both when we press and when we look to break quickly. Patson also really impressed us in our conversations. He’s thoughtful, down-to-earth and ambitious, and we’re delighted that he’s now part of the HSV family.”

From Zambia to Hamburg via Salzburg and Leicester

Patson Daka was born in Kafue, Zambia, on 9th October 1998 and began his career with Nchanga Rangers. The right-footer represented his country at every youth level before making his senior Zambia debut at just 16 years of age.

Daka moved to Austria on loan with FC Liefering at the start of 2017 and won the UEFA Youth League with Red Bull Salzburg’s U19s later that year. He went on to become a key player for Salzburg, scoring 68 goals in 125 competitive appearances. During his time there, he won four successive Austrian league titles and three Austrian Cups, while his 27 goals in 2020/21 saw him finish as the Bundesliga’s top scorer and also be named Player of the Season.

His performances in Austria earned him a move to Premier League side Leicester City in the summer of 2021. Daka made history just a few months later when, in October 2021, he became the first Zambian to score in the Premier League. A matter of days later, he scored four times against Spartak Moscow in the UEFA Europa League, becoming the first Leicester player since 1958 to net four goals in a competitive match. He went on to make 76 Premier League appearances for the Foxes, as well as 15 in the Europa League and ten in the Champions League, gaining considerable experience at the highest level. His time at Leicester came to an end this summer following the club’s relegation to League One.

Daka will now continue his career in Hamburg. “I’m really happy to be here and I can’t wait to get started. I’m a passionate, energetic player and my job is to score goals. I think that’s exactly how I can help the team,” said the 27-year-old. “I’ve watched a few HSV games and I really like what I’ve seen. It’s an exciting team and I’m happy to be part of it now. All of the management gave me a very warm welcome and, from the very first conversation, I got the feeling that there’s a real family atmosphere here. The whole package just felt right, so I didn’t need much time to make up my mind. All the positive conversations made the decision an easy one.”

Moin, Patson, and welcome to HSV!