Hamburger SV head coach Merlin Polzin has expressed his satisfaction at having Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer back in his squad after the Ghanaian striker’s anticipated move to OGC Nice collapsed due to medical concerns.
Königsdörffer, who had been poised to join the Ligue 1 side, saw his transfer fall through at the final hurdle following routine medical examinations.
Despite an agreement being reached between the two clubs, the French outfit decided to withdraw from the deal, citing fitness issues that took Hamburg’s management by surprise.
In the three years he played for HSV, he had few days off or missed any matches, Polzin remarked, visibly puzzled by the reasoning provided by Nice.
Although the failed transfer was a disappointment for Königsdörffer and his family, Polzin assured that the club remains fully supportive of the player.
The coach highlighted his strong personal connection with the 23-year-old forward, who had made clear his desire to take on a new challenge abroad.
Ransford and his family had imagined it differently, otherwise they wouldn’t have left. I feel sorry for him, said Polzin. HSV wanted to give him the opportunity to change when he approached us with his desire to move. That fell through.
Polzin acknowledged the emotional impact of the failed transfer but praised Königsdörffer’s professionalism in handling the situation. At first, there’s some disappointment, which is completely human. But he’s back in our team and a true professional. He knows how to put it into perspective and can handle the situation, he added.
The coach emphasized that Königsdörffer’s return to Hamburg is a boost ahead of the new Bundesliga campaign, especially considering his pivotal role in HSV’s promotion last season.
I’m happy to have Ransford back. He takes life as it comes. In the pressure situations we had at the end of last season, he performed incredibly well. Because he doesn’t think about things as much as some others do, Polzin continued.
Königsdörffer, who netted 14 goals in 30 appearances during the previous Bundesliga 2 season, is set to rejoin his teammates in Mallorca for pre-season preparations as HSV gears up for its return to the German top flight after a nine-year absence.
Polzin concluded by reaffirming the club’s trust in Königsdörffer’s abilities, noting the striker’s resilience and positive mindset.
The last few days have shown again how close our relationship is, even as we were preparing for a potential farewell. That meant a lot to me.
With the start of the Bundesliga fast approaching, HSV will be counting on Königsdörffer’s sharpness and experience to navigate the challenges of top-flight football once again.
