Super Eagles Defender Set for Move to Hamburg

Super Eagles defender Jordan Torunarigha is close to joining German club Hamburg SV after leaving Belgian side Gent.

The 27-year-old centre-back has been a key player for Gent since joining from Hertha Berlin in 2022. Known for his strength in the air, tough tackling, and sharp passing, Torunarigha became one of the top defenders in Belgium.

For the past two years, there have been rumours about his departure from Gent. Last year, he was linked with a move away, but the club decided not to sell him.

Now, his contract with Gent has ended, and he is a free agent. Several clubs have shown interest in him recently, including Lyon, Marseille, Anderlecht, and Borussia Mönchengladbach.

However, newly-promoted Bundesliga side Hamburg SV are now favourites to sign him. According to German journalist Florian Plettenberg, Torunarigha is expected to join Hamburg after passing a medical on Wednesday.

He will reportedly sign a three-year contract, keeping him at the club until 2028.

Hamburg just returned to the Bundesliga after seven years in the second division. They are one of Germany’s most historic clubs, with past wins in the Bundesliga, DFB Pokal, and the UEFA Champions League (formerly European Cup).

Torunarigha will aim to help Hamburg stay in the top division next season. A strong season could also boost his chances of returning to the Super Eagles squad.

Though born in Germany, Torunarigha chose to play for Nigeria in 2023 and has one cap so far. Playing in the Bundesliga again could give him the exposure needed to earn a recall to the national team.