Transfer Centre

Rafael van der Vaart to leave Hamburger SV in the summer

By Sam McEvoy, Reporter | 28 March 2015

Rafael van der Vaart is to leave Hamburger SV in the summer after the Dutchman was told that his current deal would not be renewed.

Rafael van der Vaart is to leave Hamburger SV at the end of the season, after being told that his current deal will not be renewed.

Van der Vaart will not be the only player to become a free agent in the summer, with left-back Marcell Jansen also being told that he is no longer needed.

Heiko Westermann and Slobodan Rajkovic's futures are still in the balance, as the Bundesliga club have postponed the decision to keep or let go of the players.

Hamburg CEO Dietmar Beiersdorfer revealed the news via the club's official website, saying: "We have already talked with Van der Vaart, Jansen, Westermann and Rajkovic about our planning."

"Rafael and Marcell know that we will not open talks about a contract extension with them.

"Regarding Heiko and Slobodan, we have postponed the decision and communicated it to the players as well."

Beiersdorfer has been hinting at the option of making Van der Vaart a coach at the club, but the Dutchman appears to be heading to the MLS according to recent reports.