Hamburger SV have confirmed that defender Aboubaka Soumahoro will spend the 2026/27 campaign on loan at Spanish second division side RCD Mallorca. The 21-year-old moves to the Balearic club on a one-year arrangement designed to secure the regular first-team football that eluded him during a disappointing previous stint abroad.
The temporary switch comes after Soumahoro’s half-season loan at AS Saint-Étienne concluded without a single competitive appearance. That failure to break into the French side’s line-up has forced HSV to recalibrate their strategy for the young defender’s development, prioritising guaranteed playing time over the prestige of the destination league.
Costa: “He needs regular minutes”
HSV sporting director Claus Costa was candid about the frustrations of Soumahoro’s time in France while explaining the decision to sanction another temporary departure.
“Abou’s loan spell at Saint-Étienne over the past six months didn’t go the way we had hoped. In order to take the next step in his development, he needs regular minutes. That’s why we’ve decided on another loan for him,” Costa stated.
He added: “In RCD Mallorca, we’ve found a suitable solution where he has a better chance of getting game time than he would have with us. We’ll keep a close eye on him over the coming year and wish him all the very best.”
Second chance abroad
The move represents a renewed attempt to parachute Soumahoro into competitive action away from the Volksparkstadion. Having failed to establish himself in Ligue 1, the 21-year-old now faces a pivotal season in Spain where regular involvement is essential to prevent further stagnation in his development curve.
HSV have emphasised they will track Soumahoro’s progress throughout the campaign, indicating the club maintains long-term faith in his potential despite the setback in Saint-Étienne. For Mallorca, the loan provides defensive reinforcement as they contest the 2026/27 Segunda División season, with Soumahoro hoping to secure a foothold at the Estadi Mallorca Son Moix following his previous frustration.