Team

“I’ve matured both on and off the pitch”

In his first interview with the media since joining the club, HSV new signing Jordan Torunarigha discussed his recent transfer, his personal development in Belgium and his return to the Bundesliga.

Both Hamburger SV and summer signing Jordan Torunarigha will be making a return to the Bundesliga for the 2025/26 season. The centre-back, who played 73 Bundesliga games for Hertha BSC between 2017 and 2022 and spent the last three years in Belgium at KAA Gent, was announced as HSV’s second signing around four weeks ago and is now preparing for the new season with his new teammates. Torunarigha, who was born in Germany but represents Nigeria, has completed his first week of training in Hamburg. Ahead of the second week, the defender, named after basketball legend Michael Jordan, spoke about…

…his move to HSV: HSV is a massive club with so many fans. The stadium was always sold out in the second division. I didn’t need long to think about it when the coach Merlin Polzin called me up and I made a quick decision. We already had spoken before the Ulm game, so I was really excited and celebrated as well when promotion was confirmed. Stefan Kuntz, who I know from our time together with the U21 national team, gave me a good feeling about this move. I’m somebody that needs a positive feeling and that’s why I’m here.

…his personal development: I matured both on and off the pitch in Belgium, learnt a lot and now want to help the team with the experience I gained. I became a leader and learnt how to take on responsibility. At Hertha BSC, I was a young player with lots of potential, however I wasn’t able to maximise that. Also, I used to think it was cool to be hot-headed at times. I’ve grown out of that with age and am much calmer now. I want to show that I’ve become clearer in my play, take the lead, and offer the younger players the occasional piece of advice, which is what is expected of me. I’m looking forward to this role and the pressure that comes with it.

…the Bundesliga: I still closely followed the league and watched a lot of games, mainly via the multi-game show (Konferenz). In my opinion, Bundesliga games are played at a lot higher intensity now. Players run more, sprint more and contest more duels compared to when I left the league. My goal was to return to Germany. Having no language barrier makes life easier for me here in particular.

HSV’s new signing Jordan Torunarigha smiles alongside head coach Merlin Polzin and forward Ransford Königsdörffer during training.

…his style of play: I feel comfortable on the ball even as a defender. My ability to dribble forward will play a significant role. Should teams set up one-on-one, then it is about being able to dribble past the striker on occasion. That forces another opponent to close me down, allowing a pass out wide to open up and that presents a player like Jean-Luc Dompe with a bit of space. I have developed in this regard thanks to my age and experience. When I was with Hertha, my timing in playing out was off on a more regular basis, or I would try and force things.

…his experience of derbies: I’m really looking forward to those games. They are what you play football for: a sell-out crowd, two clubs sharing the same city – there’s nothing better. At the same time, you can’t afford to lose your head in those types of matches. I hold fond memories of derbies against Union from my time at Hertha. I’ve also experienced derby fixtures in Belgium with Gent when we played against Club Brugge, although with rather less success (laughs).

…the defensive formation: It is not so impactful to me whether I operate in a back three or back four. Each and every one of the lads who I have trained with here, or played alongside in the friendly, was absolutely amazing both on and off the pitch. Therefore, it is secondary, who I ultimately work next to. I was given such a great welcome by my teammates from the minute I arrived. We all just want to give it our best and go about things as a team.