5th place: Albert Sambi Lokonga
Shortly before the transfer deadline in the summer, Hamburger SV took their team to a new level. The loan players Luka Vuskovic (18/Tottenham Hotspur) and Fábio Vieira (25/Arsenal FC) attracted the most attention. Along with the Portuguese, Sambi Lokonga also came from Arsenal – and the midfielder was Hamburg’s best deal of the year (since they don’t have permanent access to Vuskovic).
The 26-year-old Belgian was completely left out at Arsenal and was basically sold off to the Elbe: Given the 300,000 euro transfer fee, HSV are still rolling around laughing. Sambi Lokonga gained the necessary fitness during the current league campaign and has already scored four goals, some of which were extremely important, in his twelve appearances. The contract, which is valid until 2028, ensures that Sambi Lokonga can potentially be resold for a large profit.
Platz 4: Ilyas Ansah
Almost two meters tall – and quick on his feet, technically strong and dangerous in front of goal: Ansah has a profile that many are looking for. Union recognized the potential early on and brought the now 21-year-old from Paderborn for four million euros.
Ansah scored some dream goals right at the start of the season and now has five goals this season and two assists in 15 games. He has also developed physically and improved his timing when heading the ball. It is quite conceivable that the next step in his career will see him increase his previous fee tenfold.
Platz 3: Bazoumana Touré
Touré runs almost 36 km/h at the top, making him the second fastest player in the league – along with his Ivorian compatriot Yan Dimoande (see first place). The now 19-year-old came to TSG Hoffenheim in January. Ten million euros have already gone to Hammarby IF from Sweden, and another four million can follow as a bonus.
Of course, thanks to its patron, TSG has an economic advantage over traditional Bundesliga clubs who couldn’t have afforded Touré. And yet: the risk of investing in the previously completely unknown teenager has paid off completely. Touré is now one of the most spectacular wingers in the league. In the current season he has already collected seven points scorer in 14 games. One day he should be the face of a pretty big transfer. Hoffenheim is hoping for 44 million euros, Manchester United and Arsenal FC have expressed interest. Touré’s contract in Kraichgau is dated until 2029.
Place 2: Bilal El Khannouss
VfB Stuttgart was digging into the Moroccan all summer long. When Nick Woltemade (23) was finally sold to Newcastle, the Swabians were able to strike. Particularly clever: El Khannouss was initially loaned out without taking any major risks. If realistic parameters arise, El Khannouss will become a VfB player for a mandatory payment of 20 million euros to Leicester City.
There is already speculation about a return to England for the second best ten in the Bundesliga. Newcastle United have their eyes on him. One thing is clear: If VfB sells him straight away, there will be a huge transfer bonus. The 21-year-old’s record so far: 20 games for Stuttgart, six goals and four assists.
“Summer wasn’t easy”: El Khannouss’ bumpy road to VfB
1st place: Yan Diomande
Between 70 and 100 million euros are already being traded for the brilliant wing dribbler. The really big clubs like FC Barcelona, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool FC are watching closely. And that despite the fact that Diomande, as a completely unknown quantity, only came to Saxony in the summer for 20 million euros from the Spanish first division relegated team CD Leganés.
For the winter break: The three best wingers in the Bundesliga
Captain David Raum recently remembered on ‘Sky’: “I looked at its market value in the summer and then checked how much we paid. I then asked briefly whether we made a mistake in the offer or what the problem was.” One training session later, the DFB defender was wiser: “I then went to Marcel Schäfer (sports director, editor’s note) and congratulated him on this transfer.” Diomande is under contract in Leipzig until 2030. In the current season he has already collected eleven scorer points.
