Hartberg has officially signed Austrian striker Lukas Havel; from now on he will work under the guidance of a former Roma legend who has been part of the coaching staff since the start of the year. The deal was confirmed on July 9 2026 and is expected to boost the club’s attacking options immediately.

Who is Lukas Havel and why does the transfer matter?

Lukas Havel, 24, arrived from a second‑division side where he netted 12 goals last season. His pace and intelligent movement fit Hartberg’s style perfectly. The Roma legend, Francesco Totti, took over technical direction on July 1 and aims to build a new attacking duo with Havel. Both are expected to help the team find the necessary firepower in midfield.

How does the new coaching structure affect the squad?

Totti, who became an assistant coach in 2022, has already led several first‑team sessions. His emphasis is on possession and quick wing play. In the first three training days, assistant coach Markus Schmid reported that Havel adapted quickly and scored in a practice match. This progress could help Hartberg improve its current league standing.

What does this mean for the season?

Hartberg currently sits 6th in the Bundesliga, 33 points, 8 wins‑9 draws‑5 losses from 22 games. With 29 goals scored and 24 conceded, the goal difference is +5. The gap to the leaders is 5 points behind Sturm Graz. Adding a scorer like Havel could be the difference between a mid‑table finish and a spot in European competition.

What’s next?

The next league match is on July 15 against league leaders Sturm Graz. Coach Totti plans to start Havel for the first 30 minutes to apply immediate pressure. Fans can expect intense pressing and early goal chances. The transfer will be monitored throughout the season to see if the investment delivers the expected boost.

Hartberg’s Havel deal sends a clear message: the season is far from over, and the club aims to challenge the top with fresh firepower and seasoned coaching.