Sky Germany reports HSV are among the clubs tracking the 22-year-old Hoffenheim forward, who has made clear he wants to leave TSG Hoffenheim ahead of next season. Hoffenheim are open to a sale at around €5 million — a figure significantly more manageable for HSV than the €10-15 million Arsenal are demanding for Vieira.
Hamburg have spent the past weeks attempting to retain Vieira, who spent last season on loan at the Volksparkstadion and impressed in the Bundesliga throughout. Arsenal's asking price has proven a barrier, and Damar has emerged as a contingency if a deal for the Portuguese midfielder cannot be struck.
Damar, whose contract at Hoffenheim runs until 2029, produced eight goals and six assists across all competitions last season despite limited regular starts. He has pushed for a move due to dissatisfaction with his role at the club, and SC Freiburg are also understood to be monitoring his availability — meaning HSV face competition if they decide to pursue him seriously.
Hoffenheim are prepared to engage at around €5 million. At that level the financial case is workable for a Bundesliga club, and the structure of the deal — a permanent transfer rather than a loan — suits both parties if the destination is right.
The decision for HSV is essentially sequential. While there remains any realistic prospect of signing Vieira, Damar stays on the back burner. If Arsenal hold firm on their valuation, the Hoffenheim option becomes active. The presence of Freiburg as a rival suitor adds urgency to that calculation once Hamburg make their call.
Damar came through the Hoffenheim academy and has spent his entire senior career at the club since making his professional debut in 2021. At 22 he is at the point where regular first-team football matters, and a move would give him the minutes he has been unable to secure in Sinsheim.