Hamburger SV have reached an agreement to sign French midfielder Martin Adeline from ESTAC Troyes, according to reports from Bild, L’Équipe and Hamburger Abendblatt. The transfer is valued at €4 million plus additional bonuses, with the 22-year-old expected to undergo a medical shortly to finalise the move.
The German club have moved decisively to secure the playmaker’s signature after failing to land their primary target, positioning Adeline as a key component of their summer recruitment strategy.
Filling the Vieira void
Adeline has been identified as the immediate successor to Fábio Vieira, who returned to Arsenal after his temporary spell in Germany concluded. Hamburg had initially pursued a permanent deal for the Portuguese midfielder, tabling a €10 million offer that fell well short of the North London club’s asking price. With Arsenal unwilling to lower their demands, the German club turned their attention to France, where Adeline’s performances in the second tier presented a viable solution within their budget constraints.
Ligue 2 impact
The midfielder arrives with strong credentials from France’s second tier, having scored 10 goals and provided 11 assists in 32 appearances last season. His creative output played a crucial role in Troyes securing promotion to Ligue 1, suggesting he possesses the attacking qualities required to fill the void left by Vieira’s departure.
The sale represents a blow for Troyes, who lose a key creative force despite their return to the top flight. However, the €4 million transfer fee offers significant financial compensation as they prepare for life in the higher division.
Medical awaited
The deal now rests on Adeline passing his medical examination, after which he will officially become a Hamburg player. The club will hope to integrate the Frenchman quickly ahead of the new domestic campaign.