Patson Daka vs Terem Moffi: Who should lead the line for Hamburger SV this season?

Super Eagles striker Terem Moffi has completed a transfer from OGC Nice to German Bundesliga side Hamburger SV, Afrik-Foot reports.

​The move ends months of uncertainty surrounding the 27-year-old’s future following his fallout with OGC Nice last December.

​Hamburg secured Moffi for a reported fee of €2 million—substantially below his estimated market valuation. Given his proven track record in recent seasons, expectations will be high for the Nigerian forward to hit the ground running.

𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐊𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐍 𝐈𝐍 𝐇𝐀𝐌𝐁𝐔𝐑𝐆 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘, 𝑻𝑬𝑹𝑬𝑴! 🤝

Wir haben den 27-jährigen Mittelstürmer Terem Moffi verpflichtet. Der nigerianische Nationalspieler wechselt fest vom französischen Erstligisten @ogcnice zu uns an die Elbe. ✍️🇳🇬

🗣️ „Auch wenn der HSV ein paar… pic.twitter.com/G9rZDVMTgP

— Hamburger SV (@HSV) August 24, 2026

​The club is in desperate need of firepower after a difficult campaign that saw them finish 13th in the Bundesliga, nine points clear of the relegation zone. Notably, they were the third-lowest-scoring side in the German top flight.

​However, Moffi faces immediate competition. Hamburger SV also acquired Zambian forward Patson Daka on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract with Leicester City.

The two 27-year-old strikers are set to battle for a regular starting spot at the Volksparkstadion.

​Head coach Merlin Polzin certainly has a major selection dilemma on his hands. Below, we compare both forwards and examine what each brings to the side.

Patson Daka’s Qualities

On paper, Daka has a strong case to start. The Zambian striker spent the 2025/26 season with Leicester in the Championship, scoring five goals and providing four assists in 41 league appearances.

Those numbers are not spectacular, but they came during a difficult campaign for Leicester, who ultimately suffered relegation. Daka’s biggest strength is his movement.

The former Red Bull Salzburg forward is at his best when attacking space behind the defence. His pace allows him to stretch opponents, while his willingness to make runs beyond the last defender can create room for Hamburg’s attacking midfielders.

Patson Daka. That's it. That's the tweet.@PatsonDaka20 | @FAZFootball pic.twitter.com/BAG9eZ2xvx

— CAF (@CAF_Online) June 30, 2021

That could be particularly valuable in the Bundesliga, where Hamburg will frequently face opponents capable of pushing their defensive line high.

Daka also offers versatility. Hamburg’s announcement highlighted his ability to operate not only as a striker but also on the wings and in attacking midfield.

That gives Polzin more tactical options if the game demands a change of shape.

Terem Moffi Has a Different Profile

Terem Moffi, however, is the more natural No.9. The Super Eagles star has spent much of his career operating centrally and has already shown that he can score consistently at Ligue 1 level.

He scored 34 league goals in 87 appearances for Lorient before moving to Nice, where he became the club’s top scorer in Ligue 1 with 11 goals during the 2023/24 campaign.

However, his recent numbers are less convincing and this is likely due to his injury last year. Moffi struggled for regular football during the 2025/26 campaign, scoring three goals for Nice before moving to Porto on loan in January. He scored twice in 15 appearances for the Portuguese club. That is the biggest concern surrounding his arrival in Hamburg.

The striker has not consistently looked like the forward who once terrorised Ligue 1 defences, and he will need to rediscover that level quickly in Germany.

WHAT A MENACE, TEREM MOFFI 🔥🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/Bnse6yPJwl

— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) September 17, 2023

Still, Moffi offers qualities that Daka does not have to the same extent. He is a powerful runner, capable of holding up the ball, attacking crosses and battling centre-backs inside the penalty area.

For a Hamburg side that may need to play more directly against stronger Bundesliga opponents, those qualities could prove important.

So, Who Should Start?

If Hamburg want pace, movement and transitions, Daka should get the nod to start. But if the plan is to build around a traditional central striker who can occupy defenders and bring teammates into play, Moffi has the advantage.

But Daka should probably get the first opportunity. Since he arrived at the club way earlier in the summer, his Bundesliga adaptation could be smoother. Also his game is built around pace and movement, while his versatility gives Hamburg another dimension when they need to change their approach.

Daka also arrives after spending the entire previous campaign playing regularly, whereas Moffi’s recent seasons have been disrupted by limited playing time and his loan spell at Porto.

But that does not mean Moffi should be relegated to the bench. In fact, Hamburg could benefit enormously from having two forwards with very different profiles. Daka could start games and exploit tired defensive lines, while Moffi could provide a more physical presence when Hamburg need to attack crosses or hold the ball higher up the pitch.