Hamburger SV target Angers left-back Jacques Ekomie as transfer decision looms

Jacques Ekomie could leave Angers this summer, with Hamburger SV his preferred destination as the Gabon international enters the final year of his contract.

The 22-year-old left-back does not want to extend his stay with the French club and has reportedly identified Hamburger SV as the club he would most like to join, according to Santi Aouna.

Hamburger SV are interested in Ekomie’s profile and are now working to reach an agreement with Angers over a possible transfer. Angers are understood to be seeking about €6m (£5.1m) to allow the defender to leave before the start of the new season.

However, a deal worth between €4m and €5m, including bonuses, could be enough to unlock negotiations and persuade the French club to sell.

The talks between the two clubs are expected to be crucial over the coming weeks. Angers have a clear incentive to reach an agreement this summer, as failing to do so could result in Ekomie leaving for nothing when his contract expires.

Hamburger SV, meanwhile, may choose to wait if Angers maintain their current financial demands. Should negotiations break down, Ekomie would be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with Hamburger SV from January, before departing Angers without a transfer fee at the end of his deal.

Despite his contract situation, Ekomie is currently valued at €9m (£7.7m) by Transfermarkt. That valuation is higher than the fee being discussed between the clubs, although the figures involved in any agreement could depend on the structure of the deal and the inclusion of performance-related bonuses.

Ekomie is not only attracting interest from Germany. According to exclusive information from Africafoot, Villarreal are also monitoring the defender and could provide competition for Hamburger SV in the race for his signature.

The next stage of the negotiations will therefore determine whether Angers cash in on Ekomie now or retain him for another season before losing him without compensation. The player’s preference for a move to Hamburger SV could also prove significant as the clubs assess their respective options.

Angers will soon begin their Ligue 1 campaign with a match against Lille. Ahead of that fixture, betting company 1xbet lists Angers at 4.80 to win, with a draw priced at 3.65 and Lille at 1.64.