The local Hamburger Abendblatt reports that Bundesliga outfit Hamburger SV are pumping the brakes on Israeli goalkeeper Daniel Peretz’s move to Southampton. Peretz is due to be recalled early from a HSV loan by his parent club Bayern Munich. The German record champions will then loan Peretz back out to the EFL Championship side. Hamburg are stalling in officially terminating the loan early. 

According to the local paper, HSV wish to procure a replacement for Peretz first. Although Peretz has not made a single Bundesliga appearance for his loan club yet this season, the 25-year-old remains the first-choice backup for regular No. 1 Daniel Heuer Fernandes. Following Matheo Raab’s move to 1. FC Union Berlin this summer, Hamburg only have youngsters with no experience beyond the reserves in the fourth division. 

Peretz did not report to the start of HSV training camp on Friday, but head coach Merlin Polzin explained to journalists that this had nothing to do with the impending transfer. Instead, it was a mater of Peretz’s flight being cancelled. Polzin did confirm that the club was in “very intensive talks with the keeper” over his future.

Will Daniel Peretz still move to Southampton?

In all likelihood, yes. Hamburg’s stalling also has a great deal to do with the shock resignation of their chief personnel officer Stefan Kuntz earlier today. One of German football’s most respected footballing administrators is unexpectedly leaving the newly-promoted Bundesliga outfit for personal reasons. HSV now scramble to implement their January transfer plans without the architect of their success. 

Peretz is on record as stating that he wishes to leave Hamburg. The Israeli international definitely lost the battle with Heuer Fernandes in training camp and also struggled for HSV during two Pokal appearances. The 25-year-old who also stands no chance of ever fulfilling his desire to serve as Manuel Neuer’s successor at Bayern will certainly fancy a move to the Isle.