Yussuf Poulsen: After 12 years at RB Leipzig with a new challenge in Hamburg!

Yussuf Poulsen: After 12 years at RB Leipzig with a new challenge in Hamburg!

Danish striker Yussuf Poulsen is leaving RB Leipzig after 4,394 days and starting a new chapter at Hamburger SV. With 425 appearances and 95 goals, Poulsen is one of the defining figures in the club's history. “Twelve very great years,” he looks back in a video message in which he describes his time in Leipzig as important for his life. But what led to his decision? [Bild] reports that the move to HSV for Poulsen also comes with a desire for more appreciation.

However, the last few years at Leipzig were no longer so brilliant for the Dane. Last season he was only in the starting line-up twice and was often just a spectator on the bench. Due to his frequent injuries and the resulting reduced playing time, it was clear that the sporting leadership no longer relied on him. In 2023, a move to Borussia Dortmund fell through despite an offer of 10 million euros. He has now been cleared to move and is expected to get more playing time at HSV, even if his salary will be lower there.

A change with meaning

At Hamburger SV, Poulsen will take the place of Davie Selke, who moved to Basaksehir in Turkey. HSV, a traditional club, could again become a new home for the Danish international. “Leipzig was a part of me,” says Poulsen, who not only built his career there but also started his family. His children were born in the city, and returning to Hamburg, where he often visited as a child, could give him back some of this connection.

Sports director Marcel Schäfer paid tribute to Poulsen as an exceptional and loyal player who has had a significant impact on the club. Those in charge in Leipzig now have to reorient themselves after losing another identification figure in Poulsen, especially in view of the recent coaching changes and the possible departures of other top performers such as Benjamin Sesko or Xavi Simons.

The challenge of transfer

As with all international transfers, this transfer is processed via the FIFA Transfer Matching System. The DFB regulates this according to FIFA guidelines, which differentiate between professional players and amateurs. In Germany, a player is considered a professional if he has a written contract and earns at least 350 euros per month. Poulsen meets these criteria and is now embarking on a new path, while the fans in Leipzig look after him with one crying and one laughing eye.

Whether it is time for a fresh start for Poulsen in Hamburg remains to be seen. One thing is certain: his return to more playing time could help him revitalize his sporting career.

We remain curious to see how the Danish attacker performs in his new surroundings.