Andreas Hountondji will spend the 2025–26 campaign with Bundesliga newcomers FC St. Pauli after completing a loan move from Burnley.
The 21-year-old Beninese striker makes the switch following spells in England and Belgium, adding fresh attacking firepower to the German club’s top-flight campaign.
St. Pauli, newly promoted to the Bundesliga, confirmed the signing as part of their strategy to bolster the forward line with youthful talent.
Hountondji, who previously featured for Burnley and more recently on loan at Standard Liège, is regarded as a dynamic offensive asset with notable physical and technical qualities.
With Andreas, we have acquired a very interesting player for our team, who adds a valuable asset to our attacking options, said sporting director Andreas Bornemann. His physique, speed, and power fit perfectly into our strategy.
Head coach Alexander Blessin also voiced strong enthusiasm for the loan signing, citing the striker’s ability to contribute across multiple phases of play.
Andreas impresses with his good timing from deep, his impeccable finishing with both feet, his natural presence in the air and his great confidence, he said.
He also brings important qualities to off-the-ball play: he plays aggressively, switches play quickly, quickly identifies pressing situations and thus provides essential work for the team.”
Hountondji, who has represented Benin at the international level, is eager to make the most of his first experience in German football.
I am very happy to now be at FC St. Pauli and to have the chance to play in the Bundesliga, the striker said. The discussions with the sporting director and the coach were excellent; the club has a special appeal and I want to contribute to us having a successful season.”
Having made ten senior appearances for Burnley prior to his stint in Belgium, Hountondji is now preparing for the challenges of top-tier German football.
His move to St. Pauli reflects the club’s clear intent to compete effectively in the Bundesliga by blending experience with promising youth.
As FC St. Pauli builds toward their return to Germany’s top flight, all eyes will be on how Hountondji adapts to his new surroundings—and whether he can translate potential into performance at the highest level.
