Team

HSV sign Selke

Striker Davie Selke has completed a move to the Rothosen. The 29-year-old, who most recently played for 1. FC Köln in the Bundesliga, joins HSV on a free transfer.

Hamburger SV have completed the signing of Davie Selke. The 29-year-old striker last featured in the Bundesliga for 1. FC Köln, where his contract ended on 30th June 2024. Selke therefore joins on a free transfer, and brings a wealth of experience with 292 senior career appearances. He has completed his medical at the UKE Athleticum in Hamburg and signed a contract at the Volksparkstadion.

Board member for sport Stefan Kuntz highlighted Selke’s experience and personality. “Davie has seen it all in football and takes a wealth of experience with him to Hamburg. He’ll bring a lot to the team with his style of play and particularly his mentality.” He knows this from his time working with Selke previously. “I worked with Davie in the Germany U21 set-up, and he played a huge part in us winning the 2017 UEFA European Under-21 Championship,” said Kuntz, who added: “Steffen Baumgart was also his coach at 1. FC Köln, and we’re sure that Davie will improve our squad both on the pitch and in the dressing room.”

“The signing of Davie Selke provides us more with strength in depth in both our squad and in attack,” commented director for professional football Claus Costa. “His physicality will definitely improve our attacking play. It’s a strength of his game that he’s shown on a number of occasions at his previous clubs. He will also play an important role within our team, not least because of his experience of over 200 Bundesliga games.”

Selke, who stands 1.95m tall, began his career at the VfB Stuttgart academy, before moving to TSG 1899 Hoffenheim and SV Werder Bremen. Selke would go on to make his Bundesliga debut for the latter in 2013, and has since amassed a total of 238 appearances in Germany's top flight after stints at Werder, RB Leipzig, Hertha BSC and 1. FC Köln. The striker has scored 46 times and has been involved in 66 goals in total in the division. Selke is known for being an aerial threat, having developed a reputation as a proven goalscorer over the years. He has had a hand in 13 goals in 30 second-division matches so far (10 goals, 3 assists). Most recently, Selke has been working to recover from a foot injury he suffered earlier this year, and will now look to return to full fitness for the Rothosen.

“I’m really excited to play for HSV,” said Selke, who will wear the number 27 shirt. “I’ve already worked together successfully with Stefan Kuntz and Steffen Baumgart. They both told me of their clear plans and targets. HSV is one of the most exciting clubs in German football and the thought of helping to get the club back in the Bundesliga had me interested right away. Considering the whole package of the club, the staff and the aims, other factors weren’t as important for me because I was desperate to be a part of it all here.”