Terem Moffi is in line to make his first appearance for Hamburger SV today, with the newly promoted Bundesliga club travelling to Borussia Dortmund for the opening round of the season. Head coach Merlin Polzin believes the Nigeria international can contribute quickly, even though he has had only a short period to train with his new teammates.
Hamburg completed the signing of Moffi from OGC Nice as their seventh addition of the summer. The 27-year-old passed his required medical at the club’s Athleticum facility before putting pen to paper. A left-footed striker who will wear No. 9, he arrives after spending last season on loan with FC Porto.
Sporting director Claus Costa explained that Moffi’s ability to trouble defenders was central to the decision to recruit him. The forward can use his strength and determination to hold off opponents, make runs into space behind the back line and impose himself inside the area. Costa also highlighted the Nigerian’s willingness to contribute without the ball, while stressing the importance of bringing him into the team as quickly as possible before the campaign began.
Hamburg board member for sport Kathleen Krüger added that Moffi’s experience should help the club’s younger players. She considers him a particularly strong match for the team’s preferred profile at centre-forward.
Born in the Nigerian coastal city of Calabar, Moffi has now played in six countries. His career has taken him through Lithuania, Belgium and France before his move to Nice in early 2023, followed by his spell in Portugal with Porto. He said discussions with Polzin and Hamburg’s broader plans persuaded him to accept the move, while recalling that his father instantly recognised the club when told about their interest.
At his pre-match media conference, Polzin praised Costa and the recruitment staff for completing the transfer. He described Moffi as sociable, approachable and highly communicative, saying the striker had already displayed a clear instinct for scoring during his first training sessions.
Polzin said Moffi brings energy and enthusiasm to the group, regularly engaging with both the coaching staff and his teammates. Beyond the boost provided by his character, the coach added that the striker had offered early evidence of his finishing ability in the penalty area and had shown a natural scoring instinct. Moffi was due to take part in Hamburg’s final session on Friday, after which the club would make a decision on whether he was ready to face Dortmund.
The coach reiterated that Friday’s training would provide the final test of Moffi’s condition. Reflecting on the trip to Dortmund, Polzin recalled that Hamburg had been close to securing a result there last season before the hosts fought back. He believes Dortmund are considerably stronger after their transfer-window business, meaning Hamburg will need to defend with organisation and discipline while also relying on some fortune.
Hamburg will continue to monitor Warmed Omari and Alexander Rössing-Lelesiit, both of whom are still completing rehabilitation. Miro Muheim has resumed partial training but has not yet regained enough fitness to be selected. Jordan Torunarigha, by contrast, completed the full week of work with the squad and is available for the match.
Polzin said the occasion itself underlined Hamburg’s stature: this is their first fixture as a top-flight club in the new season and has been given the Saturday evening live slot. He added that his players were determined to produce a better outcome than their meeting with Dortmund last term.
