Hamburg bolster defensive options with Toni Leistner on a free transfer

Toni Leistner is the fourth addition of the summer transfer window for Hamburger SV, signing a two-year contract at the Volksparkstadion. The centre-back was most recently on loan at 1. FC Köln for the second half of the 2019/20 season but was under contract at Championship side Queens Park Rangers, and now joins the Rothosen as a free agent. “Toni is a central defender with a lot of experience in the second as well as the first division. He’s very strong in the tackle, has a great personality and fits exactly into what we were looking for in terms of strengthening the squad. His decision to sign for HSV despite other offers shows that he is hungry for the challenge ahead,” as HSV sporting director Michael Mutzel was pleased to fill the gap in the centre of defence. Leistner, who had already arrived at the team hotel in Bad Häring on Thursday evening (27th August) shared the sporting director’s excitement for the task at hand: “I had some very good discussions with the hierarchy here that convinced me to sign. Now I’m looking forward to what’s ahead and getting to know the lads.”

Toni Leistner was born on the 19th August 1990 in Dresden and made his first steps as a football player with SC Borea Dresden. The central defender signed for Saxon giants SG Dynamo Dresden in the summer of 2010, making his way as a professional via the Yellow and Black’s second team. The 30-year-old became an experienced second division operator whilst at Dresden and Union Berlin before moving abroad to Queens Park Rangers in 2018. After 71 competitive appearances for the Rangers in two years, Leistner decided to head back to Germany with Köln in the first half of the year, before making the move back to his homeland permanent with HSV, thanks to mutually agreeing to terminate his contract with QPR.

Welcome in Hamburg, Toni!

Player profile
Name: Toni Leistner 
Date of birth: 19th August 1990 
Place of birth: Dresden
Height: 1.90m
Position: Defence 
Previous clubs: SC Borea Dresden (2009-10), SG Dynamo Dresden (2010-14), Hallescher FC (2013, loan), 1. FC Union Berlin (2014-18), Queens Park Rangers (2018-20), 1. FC Köln (2020, loan), HSV (since 2020) 
Bundesliga games/goals: 13/- 
2. Bundesliga games/goals: 135/4