Reports: Patson Daka Close to Joining Hamburg on Free Transfer

20.07.2026 | Football DNA

German media outlets Sport Bild and the Hamburger Abendblatt have reported that Zambian international Patson Daka is on the verge of joining Bundesliga side Hamburg SV (HSV) on a free transfer.

According to the reports, Daka became a free agent on July 1 after Leicester City opted not to renew his contract, bringing an end to his five-year stay with the Premier League club. The 57-cap Zambia international is currently valued at approximately €3 million, despite Leicester having paid around €30 million to sign him from RB Salzburg in 2021.

The reports further indicate that Hamburg are keen to strengthen their attacking options ahead of their second consecutive Bundesliga campaign. HSV reportedly managed just 40 league goals last season, with no striker in the squad scoring more than five goals.

The club has also seen several attacking departures, with Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer and Robert Glatzel leaving, while loan forwards Philip Otele and Damion Downs have returned to their parent clubs. As a result, Rayan Philippe and club captain Yussuf Poulsen remain the only recognised centre-forwards, although Poulsen's recurring injury problems have reportedly increased the urgency to recruit another striker.

Daka is believed to be an attractive option due to his familiarity with German-speaking football environments, having spent six seasons within the Red Bull football system at RB Salzburg and FC Liefering in Austria. He is also fluent in German, a factor that could help him settle quickly at the club.

Should the striker successfully complete his medical, the reports suggest that the deal could be finalized as early as this week.

If completed, the move would mark a fresh chapter in Daka's career as he looks to revive his form and establish himself once again in one of Europe's top leagues.