Official | Hamburg’s long-term captain Sebastian Schonlau joins Thomas Müller at Vancouver Whitecaps | OneFootball

Hamburg have confirmed that their club captain for the last four years, Sebastian Schonlau, has completed his move to MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps.

The 31-year-old veteran defender follows fellow countryman Thomas Müller to Vancouver as part of a pipeline enabled by Whitecaps’ German sporting director Axel Schuster.

Warburg-born Schonlau joined the Red Shorts back in summer 2021; immediately being appointed the captaincy before going on to make 115 competitive appearances with the diamond crest on his chest.

A model professional, Schonlau was instrumental in HSV’s return to the Bundesliga last season. Even in the face of severe setbacks – notably two unsuccessful promotion play-offs – Schonlau knew how to pick both his teammates and himself back up. Last season especially, he put ego aside and continued to captain his team even after losing his nailed-on starting position; something which the Red Shorts only benefited from.

Full of praise for his former captain’s character and achievements, HSV head coach Merlin Polzin said of Schonlau’s departure: “Without Sebastian, we never would have been promoted. What he did for the team behind the scenes – even in moments when he wasn’t playing as much – was exceptional and went beyond the duties of a captain. He was always there for the lads and for the club. We will be forever grateful to him for that.”

GGFN | Sam Carey