Team

HSV sign Sebastian Schonlau

The 26-year-old centre-back joins on a free transfer from SC Paderborn, signing a three-year contract with the Rothosen.

Ahead of the final game of the current season, HSV are pleased to announce their first addition to the squad for 2021/22. Sebastian Schonlau joins the club on a free transfer from SC Paderborn. The 26-year-old centre-back has signed a three-year contract with Hamburger SV, dated until 30 June 2024. "Sebastian has been on our wish list for a while, we showed close interest early on and were therefore able to complete a free transfer. Aside from his strength in the tackle, he has impressed with his build-up play and his consistency on the pitch, both of which earned him the captain’s armband at Paderborn," said sporting director Michael Mutzel. Head of sport, Jonas Boldt, added: "Sebastian suits our player profile well. With more than 130 appearances in Germany’s top two divisions, he boasts great experience, but at just 26 years of age he has a lot of potential. He is also hungry for success and ambitious – he wants to take the big step with our team."

As of next season, Tim Leibold and Sebastian Schonlau will be teammates at HSV.

Captain at Paderborn

Schonlau, who will play his final game for Paderborn this weekend away to Würzburger Kickers, thanked his club and is now looking forward to the move. "After a long and really enjoyable time in Paderborn, for which I would like to thank the club, I am looking forward to a new challenge. The HSV representatives really impressed me in our talks. I will committ everything to next season in this highly competitive league."

Schonlau started playing football in his home town, Warburg, in North-Rhine-Westphalia. At U19 level, he made the 30 mile move from SF Warburg 09 to SC Paderborn, where he broke into the professional sphere. In 2014/15, he was loaned out to SC Verl (29 games, three goals, one assist). After his return, the 6ft defender became a first-team regular for SC Paderborn. He has now made 178 competitive appearances, scoring eight goals and providing eleven assists in the process. 23 of these games were played in the Bundesliga, where he scored two goals. Since summer 2020, Schonlau has led his Paderborn teammates out as captain.