Albert Sambi Lokonga had injury problems before he joined Arsenal, with a cruciate ligament tear during his time with Anderlecht. The midfielder then continued to have issues throughout his time with the Gunners, also whilst on loan.
Therefore, he wasn’t able to justify why he’d been signed by Arsenal in the first place. In the summer, the Premier League club allowed the 26-year-old to move for a knockdown price.
HSV Hamburg secured a €300k deal, but it was still seen as something of a gamble for the German club.
After his arrival from Arsenal, Sambi Lokonga was eased in. Kicker report that’s a process which has been ongoing, with the Bundesliga club being very careful when it comes to the player’s fitness.
The Belgian wasn’t fit when he arrived in Hamburg, continuing to struggle from a long term thigh muscle injury. Now he’s fully fit he’s described as indispensable for the team, and Kicker state: ‘The value for money is exceptional because the Hamburg coaching staff, in close collaboration with the medical team, manages him effectively.’
Merlin Polzin, the Bundesliga club’s manager, is quoted as saying: “He leads by example, both on and off the pitch. That’s truly commendable. He’s extremely important for the ongoing development within our team.”
After his Arsenal struggles, Albert Sambi Lokonga deserves the praise he’s receiving for getting his career back on track.