Hamburger SV has confirmed that promising centre-back Joel Agyekum will spend the upcoming campaign with FC Viktoria Köln, joining the 3. Liga outfit on loan for the entire 2025/26 season. The agreement was finalized on Monday, just hours before the summer transfer window closed.
Speaking to the club, sporting director Claus Costa explained that the move was designed to accelerate the defender’s growth:
“Joel has developed positively in recent months and is an integral part of our Bundesliga team. We have underscored this not only recently with the contract extension. However, in order for him to continue on this path, he needs regular playing time at the highest possible level – which is why this loan makes a lot of sense for all parties.”
The 20-year-old, born in Germany to Ghanaian parents, echoed that sentiment, saying the challenge at Viktoria Köln represents the next step in his career:
“What I’ve experienced here at HSV over the past few months is still hard to comprehend. Looking ahead to the upcoming season, however, I’m now looking forward to the challenge at Viktoria Köln in the 3. Liga, where I personally want to take the next step.”
Für mehr Spielpraxis: Wir verleihen Joel #Agyekum für den Rest der laufenden Spielzeit an den Drittligisten Viktoria Köln. 🤝
Claus #Costa erklärt den Wechsel: “Joel hat in den vergangenen Monaten eine positive Entwicklung genommen und zählt bei uns zum festen Bestandteil der… pic.twitter.com/t7mO3LmXsA
— Hamburger SV (@HSV) September 1, 2025
Agyekum’s rise has been steady and deliberate. After signing his first professional contract in April, he made history as the 520th HSV player to feature in a league match since the Bundesliga’s inception. His association with the club began in 2017, when he joined HSV’s youth setup.
Over the years, he earned leadership roles, captaining age-group teams and eventually catching the attention of the German Football Association, where he earned appearances for the U18 national side.
The left-footed defender now embarks on a critical development year in Cologne, where he hopes consistent senior minutes will sharpen his game and solidify his status as one of HSV’s brightest prospects.
