Uwe Seeler was used to disappointment when it came to Hamburger SV, but this decision in spring 2013 affected him more than bad transfers or poor placements. After seven years in the HSV jersey, his grandson Levin Öztunali decided to play for Bayer 04 Leverkusen from then on. The Werkself outfitted the then 16-year-old A youth player with a lavish five-year contract.
The HSV couldn’t keep up, argued the then head of sport Frank Arnesen and drew the displeasure of many fans. Uwe Seeler’s dream had burst – to see his grandson in the Hamburg Bundesliga jersey. As was his way, he didn’t give up hope: “Anything is possible in football. Maybe Levin will come back sometime.”
Ten years later, the time has come. Öztunali’s old sporting home will also be his new one – he was committed to HSV by the end of June 2026 and speaks of a “dream” himself: “Of course I’ve always followed HSV, but so far I’ve only been to the Volksparkstadion as an opponent or a fan. I’m just happy to be back.” The nimble midfielder comes on a free transfer from Union Berlin and is the third signing for the 2023/24 season after Guilhermo Ramos and Immanuel Pherai.
More than a stirring piece
The role of Jonas Boldt is curious. Ten years ago he guided Öztunali to West Germany as Bayer’s chief scout. Boldt, now HSV CEO, said: “My story together with Levin began in 2013. Now I’m happy that we can bring him home.”
Boldt is closely associated with the Seelers. At the request of the family, he gave one of the speeches at Uwe Seeler’s funeral service in the Volksparkstadion. Seeler died on July 21, 2022 at the age of 85. “Uwe would certainly have cheered,” said his widow Ilka Seeler on Wednesday to the “Bild” newspaper. Levin Öztunali is the son of the Seeler daughter Frauke and her husband Mete Öztunali.
Levin Öztunali’s return to family is meant to be more than a touching play, reminding fans at every performance that the club idol’s grandson is playing down there. In his sixth year in the second division, he is set to take on a leading role at HSV – which he claims for himself: “I want to help the team with my speed and my strength in one-on-one situations. I think I can give the younger players security.”
No role under coach Fischer
To do this, he has to find a similar form in Hamburg, which made him a seasoned Bundesliga player and U21 national player between 2016 and 2021 in the jersey of FSV Mainz 05. Most recently in Berlin, after a mixed first year, he no longer played a role under coach Urs Fischer – only two short appearances are in his 2022/23 season record. Nevertheless, head of sport Claus Costa and CEO Boldt trust him to take on responsibility: “With his professional attitude, his power and the great identification with HSV, Levin is an important factor in our squad composition,” said Boldt.
Hans-Joachim Leyenberg Published/Updated: , Recommendations: 4 Jan Ehrhardt Published/Updated: , Recommendations: 14 Michael Wittershagen Published/Updated: , Recommendations: 4
Most recently, HSV lacked leadership on the field in its fifth unsuccessful attempt to climb. An experienced first division player (190 games, twelve goals) could be a significant gain. During training on Friday, Levin Öztunali will see how enthusiastic HSV fans can be, not far from the bronze sculpture of the Seeler foot.
