Arsenal have confirmed that Fabio Vieira has joined Hamburg on a season-long loan, not long after the German side signed Sambi Lokonga on a permanent deal.
The 25-year-old will bolster Merlin Polzin’s midfield options as the newly-promoted Bundesliga side looks to re-establish itself in the top flight after a seven-year absence.
Vieira joined the Gunners from Porto for €35 million in 2022 – a move that looked canny given the reputation he was building in Portugal. While he was useful in the Europa League during his first season at Arsenal, there was no getting away from the fact he looked lightweight in the hustle and bustle of the Premier League and was only handed a couple of starts.
Despite a flurry of minutes the next season, a red card suspension followed by a groin injury ultimately killed off his career at the Emirates. With Martin Odegaard playing behind the strikers and Mikel Arteta preferring a more physical presence at left eight, he wasn’t the right fit.
In an attempt to rebuild his confidence, Vieira returned to Porto on loan last season. While he scored five goals and made six assists in 42 appearances, his boyhood club tellingly opted not to pursue a permanent deal.
On his decision to move to Hamburg, Vieira said: “I had very good discussions with the coach. From the very beginning, he gave me the feeling that I could fully rely on my qualities and that I was absolutely determined to win me over for the team. That was one of the main reasons why I was so keen to move here.
“The fans, the stadium, and generally the conditions here at the club are incredible. I’m a player who feels comfortable in the final third. I hope to help the club achieve its goals with goals and assists, and I can’t wait to get started.”
It’ll be interesting to see how Vieira, who is under contract at the Emirates until 2027, gets on in Germany. They are a passionate bunch in Hamburg; hopefully, he can show his quality.