Club Brugge willing to spend millions for Ludovit Reis

Ludovit Reis is on the verge of a significant move that could mark the next major step in his professional career.

Earlier this month, German outlet BILD reported that the 25-year-old midfielder was expected to leave Hamburger SV, and that information has now been confirmed to Voetbal International by Belgian sources. Barring any last-minute changes, Reis is set to swap Hamburg for Club Brugge, one of Belgium’s most prestigious and ambitious clubs, in a deal worth around six million euros.

The transfer marks the end of a four-year chapter for Reis in Hamburg, where he gradually evolved into one of the most consistent and reliable players in the squad. Despite HSV's repeated failures to secure promotion in recent seasons, Reis remained a standout performer, known for his tenacity, tactical intelligence, and ability to control the midfield. His persistence paid off last season when HSV finally managed to earn promotion to the Bundesliga, a long-awaited success for a club that had been stuck in the second division since their shock relegation in 2018.

However, despite helping the club achieve that goal, Reis appears ready to pursue a new challenge. Club Brugge’s interest in the Dutch midfielder is not surprising. The Belgian side, perennial contenders in the Jupiler Pro League and regular participants in European competitions, are looking to reinforce their midfield ahead of another season with high domestic and continental ambitions. Reis, with his experience across multiple leagues and international youth teams, fits their profile perfectly.

A four-year contract is reportedly already prepared for the midfielder in Bruges. If finalized, this would not only provide Reis with long-term stability, but also the opportunity to showcase his talent on a bigger stage including the UEFA Champions League or Europa League, competitions in which Club Brugge has made impressive runs in recent years. For Brugge, the signing also reflects a strategy of securing players in their prime years who can deliver immediate impact.

Reis’s journey to this point has been far from ordinary. Born in Haarlem to Slovak parents, he began his youth career in the Netherlands and broke into professional football with FC Groningen. At just 17 years old, he made his Eredivisie debut and quickly caught the eye with his composure on the ball and mature decision-making. His performances at Groningen led to a move to FC Barcelona in 2019, with the Catalan giants paying over three million euros for his services  a significant fee for a teenager coming from the Dutch league.

Although he never made a first-team appearance for Barcelona, Reis spent two seasons with Barcelona B, gaining valuable experience and adapting to the Spanish style of play. In 2021, he made the move to Germany, joining HSV in search of regular top-level minutes. It proved to be a wise decision: he developed into a key figure in Hamburg’s midfield, consistently starting matches and earning praise for his work rate and tactical versatility.

Reis also has a solid international background, having represented the Netherlands at various youth levels, most notably with the Under-21 side. He has long been considered a player with the potential to step into the senior Dutch national team, and a move to a club like Club Brugge where he could play in high-pressure matches and European competitions might be the platform he needs to take that final leap.

For HSV, the departure of Reis is both a sporting and symbolic moment. He was one of the faces of the club’s post-relegation rebuild and a player fans had grown attached to over the years. However, with the club finally back in the Bundesliga and likely to reshape the squad for the challenges ahead, the six-million-euro fee represents an opportunity to reinvest in multiple areas of the team.

Meanwhile, Club Brugge are signaling their intentions with this move. After a 2023–24 campaign that fell short of expectations, particularly in European competition, the Belgian giants are making it clear they intend to regroup and reassert themselves both domestically and abroad. Ludovit Reis, entering his peak years and already boasting a wide range of experiences, could prove to be a cornerstone of that renewed push.