Martin Adeline is on the verge of completing a €6m transfer to Hamburg from ESTAC Troyes, with negotiations between the French and German clubs now at an advanced stage. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder faces missing out on Ligue 1 football despite playing a central role in Troyes’ promotion campaign last term.
According to L’Équipe, whilst the deal is not yet fully finalised, recent talks have progressed significantly and an agreement appears imminent. Adeline’s contract with the City Football Group-owned side was set to expire at the end of the coming season, leaving Troyes with limited options beyond selling their academy graduate this summer to avoid losing him without compensation.
Standout season in Ligue 2
Adeline established himself as one of the division’s most productive creative players during the previous campaign. He registered 11 goals and 11 assists across 36 appearances in all competitions, providing the attacking impetus that drove Troyes back to the French top flight following their relegation.
His performances placed him among the architects of the club’s successful Ligue 2 campaign, though he now appears destined to depart before featuring in the top division. The €6m fee would represent a solid return for a player entering the final year of his contract.
Exodus of attacking talent
The potential exit compounds a difficult summer for Troyes as they prepare for life back in Ligue 1. The club has already lost fellow attacking midfielder Mathys Detourbet, who recently joined partner club Manchester City before being immediately loaned to AS Monaco.
Losing both creative players within the same window leaves the coaching staff with significant rebuilding work ahead of the new season. The club must now identify replacements capable of matching Adeline’s output in the final third.
Imminent switch to Germany
For Hamburg, the acquisition would secure a versatile offensive player with proven productivity in a competitive European environment. Adeline operates primarily as an attacking midfielder but has shown flexibility across various forward positions.
Should the transfer proceed as expected, the France youth international will embark on a new chapter in German football, whilst Troyes contemplate how to reinvest the transfer funds to strengthen their squad ahead of their top-flight return.