HSV signs French playmaker Martin Adeline from ESTAC Troyes on long-term deal

Transfer confirmed after medical

Hamburger SV made official the signing of French midfielder Martin Adeline on 13 July 2026. The 22-year-old passed a medical and signed a long-term contract, the club announced without disclosing the length. Media reports put the transfer fee between four and six million euros. Adeline arrived from ESTAC Troyes, newly promoted to Ligue 1, and previously came through the youth ranks of Paris Saint-Germain, also earning more than 20 caps for France at U19 and U20 level.

The Vieira void

Sporting director Claus Costa had been under pressure to add creativity after the departures of Fabio Vieira (too expensive to retain) and the injuries to Robert Glatzel and Ransford Königsdörffer. Coach Merlin Polzin welcomed the signing, saying Adeline offers a profile the squad lacked.

It is certain that he brings something that we don't have yet.

The move follows the loan of Aboubaka Soumahoro to RCD Mallorca, and further activity in both directions is expected on what Costa called a tough transfer market.

Training camp in Helsingør

Before the deal was sealed, HSV spent a four-day camp in Helsingør, north of Copenhagen, from Wednesday to Saturday. Defender Albert Grönbaek tried to persuade teammates to visit Kronborg Castle, the setting of Shakespeare's Hamlet, but found no takers. Instead, the trip produced lively exchanges between new signing Kofi Amoako and established midfielder Nicolai Remberg.

I do the dirty work for the defense and the dirty work for the offense, I really enjoy that.

Amoako, a 21-year-old summer arrival from Dynamo Dresden, said he hopes to learn from Remberg and eventually take his place. Remberg, nicknamed "Rambo", fired back good-naturedly.

Getting past Rambo is really very difficult, it takes a lot. Kofi and I are similar types of players, he's a great person, I noticed that right away. And yes, of course he can learn from me.

What Adeline brings

Adeline is seen as the direct replacement for Fabio Vieira in the number-ten role. His time at PSG's academy and his international youth record speak to his pedigree, while his breakthrough at Troyes in Ligue 2 and then Ligue 1 has prepared him for the step up to the Bundesliga. The transfer, which some outlets value at up to six million euros, is HSV's second of the summer and is expected to be one of several before the window closes.

Next steps

With the deal done, Adeline will join his new teammates when they travel to Austria for the final phase of pre-season. Polzin's side trained in front of around 250 fans at the Volksparkstadion on the same day the signing was confirmed, still missing the new arrival but confident he will integrate quickly.