Official: Nigerian talent trained at Manchester City seals loan move to Germany’s Hamburger SV

With a statement on their official website, German club Hamburger SV have announced the signing of Adedire Emmanuel Awokoya-Mebude, Soccernet.ng reports.

Hamburger SV reveal they have bolstered their attacking options with the acquisition of highly-rated Nigerian-born winger Adedire Mebude on loan from Belgian Pro League side KVC Westerlo.

The 20-year-old, who can play across the front line, joins the 2. Bundesliga outfit for the remainder of the 2024/25 season. His arrival helps fill the void left by Bakery Jatta, who is sidelined with an ankle ligament injury.

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Hamburger SV’s board member for sport, Stefan Kuntz, highlighted the club’s belief in Mebude’s potential, stating:

“Bringing in Adedire Mebude on loan gives us those same core skills for that position, while we also believe that he has great potential.”

Sporting director Claus Costa echoed Kuntz’s sentiments, emphasizing the young forward’s attributes:

“With his explosiveness and pace, as well as his strengths on the counter and running in behind, Adedire is a player who can help us in a number of areas and is an ideal addition to our options on the wing.”

Mebude has already expressed his excitement about playing at the Volksparkstadion, eager to impress both his new teammates and the fans.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be part of HSV and to be able to call this stadium – which I can barely find the words for – my home,” he said.

“When HSV come asking, you don’t say no.”

Looking ahead to his debut against Hannover 96, Mebude has set his sights on making an impact:

“I want to get my teammates into the game and give the fans something to cheer – that’s what it’s all about. That and helping HSV achieve their number one goal. I want to play my part and will give my absolute best.”

Born in London, England, to Nigerian parents, Mebude grew up in Scotland and remains eligible to represent all three nations at the senior level.

His footballing development began at Rangers, where he joined the academy at age 10. After rejecting a professional contract at 16, he moved to Manchester City in September 2020.

During his time with City’s youth teams, Mebude’s immense talent shone brightly as he scored 30 goals and provided 34 assists in 71 appearances. His performances earned him the Academy Player’s Player of the Year award for the 2021/22 season.

Despite interest from Tottenham Hotspur, PSV Eindhoven, and Club Brugge, Mebude left Manchester City and completed a £1.65 million transfer to Westerlo in July 2023. He made his competitive debut shortly after, coming off the bench in a 1-0 win against Club Brugge.

At international level, he has already earned 13 caps for Scotland’s U21s, providing two assists. However, he remains eligible to play for Nigeria’s Super Eagles should he choose to switch allegiance.

HSV fans will be eagerly awaiting his debut, as Mebude looks to make an immediate impact in the 2. Bundesliga.