Albert Sambi Lokonga’s move to Hamburg may have cost far less than first reported, with German media claiming Arsenal received only a minimal fee.
Bild 2 September 2025
Early coverage of the deal indicated Arsenal had secured around £2.5 million for the Belgian midfielder, who had entered the final year of his contract.
But according to Hamburg-based reports, the Bundesliga side will pay only €300,000 in compensation, with potential bonuses attached, and have tied the 25-year-old to a contract running until 2028.
With Lokonga’s market value still listed at €8 million, Hamburg are understood to view the transfer as a coup.
ORLANDO, FLORIDA: Albert Sambi Lokonga of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his side's fourth goal during the Florida Cup match against Chelsea at Camping World Stadium on July 23, 2022. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images
Sporting director Claus Costa welcomed the arrival, saying: “Sambi is a technically strong player who has an excellent passing game, especially in depth.”
Lokonga will wear the number six shirt and declared: “I really want to help the team with my qualities. Whether through goals, assists or defensive work.”
Board member Stefan Kuntz added: “He should help our team in the build-up of the game,” with Hamburg desperate to improve after a poor start to the campaign which has seen them lose one and draw one without scoring a goal.
Lokonga’s exit closes a chapter at Arsenal that never truly ignited following his £17.2 million move from Anderlecht in 2021.
Loan spells at Crystal Palace, Luton Town and Sevilla failed to establish him as a long-term option in Mikel Arteta’s squad. His move to Hamburg now offers the chance of a career reset in Germany, albeit at a fee that underlines how far his stock has fallen since leaving Belgium.
The news also came as Hamburg finalised a loan for Fábio Vieira, who joined from Arsenal with an option to buy for €20 million which Hamburg will never take up.
Related Posts