HSV wants Böving for the offensive
A lack of attacking strength and creativity were Hamburger SV's core problems during preseason and in their first two matches. Reinforcements are expected by Monday evening: According to information from kicker, William Böving from Sturm Graz is in their sights.
HSV's sights are set on Dane William Böving of Sturm Graz. picture alliance / ERWIN SCHERIAU / APA / pictured
"Improving our attacking game remains an issue," said Merlin Polzin after the 2-0 defeat in the city derby against FC St. Pauli , the second league game without a goal. In addition, HSV only created three real chances in the first two matchdays – that's clearly not enough to win games in the top flight, even though the coach explained: "We can also be dangerous in other ways, as our offside goal against St. Pauli showed."
However, HSV doesn't want to rely solely on long balls, in this case from Giorgi Gocholeishvili to Ransford Königsdörffer, but rather wants to improve their attack. On the sidelines of the city clash, sporting director Stefan Kuntz confirmed this and also outlined his profile. "We're looking for a player who can carry the play from midfield into the final third, who can make the final passes, and who is a goal threat." The sought-after (and desired) man is William Böving .
The Dane has been linked with Mainz 05 for days, and HSV is actually pursuing the 22-year-old, who is versatile in attack. Formally, he's considered a center forward, but Hamburg's bosses see Böving, at 1.76 meters tall, as a player who can play both in the half-back position and in the number ten position behind the striker. A role that doesn't currently exist in the new 3-4-3 system. Polzin, however, announced weeks ago that he would find and create a place for himself if he could find the right type of player.
Will it be Böving? The fact is: He was no longer part of the squad for the reigning Austrian champions' Graz city derby (2-0 for Sturm Graz ) on Saturday, and he wasn't even in the stadium because he was on leave for negotiations. His contract in Austria is valid until 2026, and it reportedly contains a release clause for almost seven million euros. Too much for HSV, who are trying to reduce it.
Rieder is not available for HamburgBöving has played 78 Bundesliga matches in three years in Graz, scoring 14 goals and providing 17 assists. Now he wants to take the next step and is being courted by Spanish first division club Girona, among others. Fabian Rieder seems to be off the table in Hamburg – the Swiss international from Stade Rennes, who was loaned to VfB Stuttgart last year, is not available. The focus is now on Böving.
