Hamburg have completed the signing of Olympique de Marseille midfielder Bilal Nadir on a three-year deal after beating off strong competition from across Europe.
The 22-year-old Morocco Under-23 international was a free agent following the expiry of his contract with Marseille on 30 June and will not return to the Stade Velodrome next season. His departure adds to a growing list of exits from the French club this summer, following Mason Greenwood, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Hamed Junior Traore.
Nadir underwent and passed his medical earlier this week before putting pen to paper with Hamburger SV on Friday. The German club secured Bundesliga survival last season, finishing 13th in the table, and have moved to strengthen their midfield options ahead of the new campaign.
The move ends Nadir’s long association with Marseille, where he spent part of his youth development and progressed into the first team. Since making his senior debut in 2023, he has played 53 matches for the club in all competitions.
Transfer battle across Europe
Hamburg’s agreement with Nadir follows what has been described as an intense contest for his signature, with several clubs from Germany, Spain and Greece exploring a deal.
In the Bundesliga, VfB Stuttgart and Eintracht Frankfurt both showed interest and made enquiries about the midfielder’s situation. In La Liga, Getafe were also monitoring the player with a view to a possible move.
AEK Athens emerged as another serious contender for Nadir’s services, with Greek interest adding to the level of competition faced by Hamburg in securing the transfer.
Contract status and market value
Nadir had been on a relatively modest contract at Marseille, earning an annual salary of €270,000 (175,500,000 FCFA) in France before his deal came to an end last month.
Born in Nice, the midfielder currently carries a market value of €8m, according to figures listed on Transfermarkt. Despite leaving Marseille on a free transfer, that valuation reflects his performances since breaking into senior football and his status as a Morocco youth international.
Nadir now begins a new chapter in Germany with Hamburg, who will look to his energy and versatility in midfield as they aim to build on last season’s survival in the top flight.
