Hamburg boss backs Terem Moffi to add firepower ahead of Bundesliga move

Hamburg coach Merlin Polzin has welcomed the imminent arrival of Nigeria striker Terem Moffi, saying the forward has the qualities to strengthen his attacking options ahead of the new Bundesliga campaign.

Moffi is expected to join Hamburg after returning to Nice from a loan spell at FC Porto, with the transfer set to be completed once he passes his medical and the remaining formalities are concluded.

Polzin has not yet met the Nigeria international in person, but the Hamburg manager has already formed a favourable view of the striker’s ability.

“I haven’t seen or met him myself yet. He’s a good player who certainly has numerous skills that would help us,” he said, as quoted by Hamburger Morgenpost.

The 2025/26 season saw Moffi move to Portugal in January, joining FC Porto from Nice on loan for the second half of the campaign. The agreement included an option for Porto to sign him permanently for €8 million.

That clause was not activated, meaning Moffi returned to Nice before his anticipated move to Hamburg. Although Porto decided against making the transfer permanent, the striker was part of the squad that won the Portuguese league title during his time at the club.

His impending switch to Hamburg would give Polzin an additional attacking option as the Bundesliga side prepare for the coming season. The club’s interest comes after Moffi’s temporary spell with Porto, where he remained involved in a title-winning campaign despite the Portuguese club ultimately choosing not to complete a permanent deal.

Hamburg’s move is not yet fully concluded. Moffi must first undergo his medical, while the final administrative steps also need to be completed before the transfer can be confirmed.

Polzin’s comments indicate that Hamburg see the Nigerian forward as a player capable of adding depth and different qualities to their attack. While the coach is yet to work with Moffi directly, he believes the striker’s attributes could prove useful to the squad once the move is finalised.

For Moffi, the expected transfer represents a return to a new club after his short stay at Porto and his subsequent return to Nice. His time in Portugal ended with a league title, but without Porto taking up the €8 million option that would have kept him at the club permanently.

The transfer to Hamburg is therefore dependent only on the medical examination and completion of the outstanding formalities, with the Bundesliga club preparing to add the Super Eagles forward to its attacking ranks.