Fábio Baldé
STR
LW
Wide Forward
Jul 20, 2005 (21)
Right
6'0"
165 lb
StrasbourgTransferred to Strasbourg
Balde has completed a transfer to Strasbourg from Hamburger SV, according to his former club.
Analysis: Balde made 41 competitive appearances for Hamburger, contributing three goals and four assists, and made his debut in the second division opener against Koln in August 2024, going on to help the club win promotion to and secure survival in the Bundesliga. The 21 year old winger, who came through Hamburger's academy after joining at age 14, has represented both Portugal and Germany at youth level, and now begins the next chapter of his career in Ligue 1.
Trains individually, transfer looming
Balde (knee) has started to train individually as he looks likely to leave the club, according to Simon Braasch of Hamburg Morning Post.
Analysis: Balde is still recovering from multiple issues as the start of the season approaches, with a knee issue being the most prominent. However, he is starting to train individually again, bringing some hope that a return to play is nearing. The major question is whether he will be starting the season with Hamburger, as it appears the club is ready to let him go, and clubs around Europe are interested in signing him.
Dealing with multiple issues
Balde has been limited in training and is not fully fit as he deals with an infection and knee complaints, according to Tim Meinke of Mope.de.
Analysis: Balde had to miss a friendly against Everton as he dealt with some issues and continues to be on the side of the main group in training. That said, he is dealing with a previous infection and a knee injury that has started to slow down, although he still only trains individually with tape on his knee. With another friendly in two weeks against Toulouse, he will hope to see the field and clear himself of injuries ahead of the new season.
Misses friendly with blister
Balde is also missing Hamburg's first pre-season test match against SK Rapid, with the club saying a blister on his foot is keeping the 20-year-old out of the matchday squad.
Analysis: Balde remains one of Hamburg's younger squad options rather than an established starter, appearing mostly as a substitute last season and starting only a handful of games. His absence from the opening test against Rapid, attributed simply to a foot blister, is a non-issue in terms of severity, but preseason minutes matter more for a player in his position, trying to convert flashes of promise into a bigger role, than for an established regular. Expect him back involved quickly once the blister clears up.
Scores as a sub in 3-2 win
Balde scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Sunday's 3-2 victory against SC Freiburg.
Analysis: Balde scored Hamburg's third goal as they went 3-1 ahead and would eventually win 3-2. The attacker has only started three times this season, but this was his 15th appearance. It was also his first goal of the season, coming from his only shot in the game. This was just the fourth time this season that he has put a shot on target.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare