HSV Hamburg’s deal to sign Alberto Sambi Lokonga from Arsenal last summer has been lauded as something of a masterstroke.
That’s at least according to BILD. The German newspaper covers the 26-year-old today and how he has become the ‘game-changer’ for the Bundesliga side.
The newspaper explains that Lokonga was carefully brought back from his lateral collateral ligament tear over the weekend.
He made a return to the starting line up for the win over Wolfsburg, having made two substitute appearances before that. He impressed too, particularly in the stats, with 23 of 27 passes successful and other good numbers in his favour.
His return underlined the important role he plays for the team, which are also shown in the stats. For example, he’s been on the field for six of HSV’s seven wins this season. With him in the lineup, HSV average 1.2 points per game. That drops to 1.0 without him.
Key player
Lokonga is now seen as the midfield controller, helping with clever passes, tackles won and smart runs out of danger. The attacking output also suffers when he isn’t present.
With the former Arsenal midfielder in the team, HSV average 1.5 goals per game. That drops to 0.6 per game when he isn’t included.
All of this means his status as a summer bargain is ‘becoming increasingly clear’. He cost just €300,000 when he joined from Arsenal in the summer transfer window. That, though, was just the base fee for the deal.
Summer profit
HSV are happy either way as the 26-year-old has established himself as a key player for the club this season. He’s now key to their hopes of staying in the Bundesliga this season.
What happens beyond that, remains to be seen. With a contract until 2028, the German side will find themselves in a precarious position once the summer comes around.
They would, presumably, prefer to keep Lokonga long-term but with a current value of €8m, there’s a good chance they could eye a major profit with a sale as well.
Arsenal would then be due their own share of that.