FC Augsburg secured a late transfer window coup with the loan signing of Arijon Ibrahimovic and plans to use the 20-year-old German-Kosovar as a creative number ten. Head coach Manuel Baum offered the first insights into his tactical ideas ahead of Sunday's away match at Eintracht Frankfurt (17:30 CET, DAZN), as reported by Bild Sport.
The Fuggerstädter enter this fixture sitting third in the Bundesliga with three points from one match. With three goals scored and none conceded, the team boasts the league's best defensive record. The next match against the ninth-placed side is scheduled for September 6, 2026.
How will Ibrahimovic be used at Augsburg?
Manuel Baum, the 47-year-old head coach, clearly defined the new signing's role during his press conference on Friday. "Wenn wir über den Ari reden, dann ist das für mich so ein Zehner, der Richtung Neun tendiert," Baum said. "So ähnlich wie der Anton oder wie der Uche beispielsweise." He compared the Bayern loanee's style of play to that of 22-year-old Anton Kade and 20-year-old Uchenna Ogundu. Ibrahimovic is therefore set to operate as an attacking midfielder who can also pose a threat as a striker.
An immediate debut for the talent in Frankfurt is possible. However, Baum kept the final lineup decision open. The coach stressed that no player, not even the new arrival, has a guaranteed starting spot. The current squad list shows further options in attacking midfield.
Who does Ibrahimovic compete with in the squad?
Besides the mentioned players Kade and Ogundu, Augsburg has other actors for the central attacking positions. These include 21-year-old Mert Kömür and the two 28-year-olds Alexis Claude-Maurice and Robin Fellhauer. Baum pointed out, however, that Kömür, Claude-Maurice and Fellhauer tend more towards the number eight position, meaning they are somewhat more defensively oriented.
The coach distinguished between two types of players in his squad: one group that pushes forward and another that drops back. Ibrahimovic clearly falls into the first category. His move materialised just before the transfer deadline on September 1, after several Bundesliga clubs, including Union Berlin and Werder Bremen, had shown interest in him.
What is the personnel situation ahead of the Frankfurt match?
The availability of Anton Kade is uncertain. The attacking player, who impressed in the match against Schalke, had to cut training short on Wednesday due to a muscle strain. "Bei einem längeren Schritt hat es ihm reingezogen. Deswegen ist es nicht so schön bei ihm," Baum explained regarding the injury. Whether Kade can play on Sunday, the coach left open: "Ich weiß, wie es am Wochenende bei ihm ausschaut. Aber das soll noch ein bisschen ein Geheimnis bleiben."
Alongside Kade, Calvin Brackelmann is also absent, listed on the club's injuries page. These absences could increase the chances of a debut for Ibrahimovic. The team travels to Frankfurt with positive momentum, not least due to the flawless record of three points and a 3:0 goal difference.
What was the background to the transfer?
Arijon Ibrahimovic returned to Munich from a loan spell at 1. FC Heidenheim at the start of the summer. At Bayern, he had initially been promised a fixed place in the professional squad as a replacement for the 29-year-old Luis Díaz. Shortly before the end of the transfer period, sporting director Max Eberl then opened the door for a move.
The 52-year-old Eberl said: "Wenn etwas passiert, das spruchreif ist und interessant sein kann für beide Beteiligten, wäre man offen." FC Augsburg, with managing director Michael Ströll (42) and sporting director Benjamin Weber (43), ultimately seized this opportunity. Ibrahimovic and FC Bayern had extended their joint contract until 2028 prior to the loan.
FC Augsburg's next match is away at Eintracht Frankfurt on September 6, 2026. You can find the current league table and upcoming fixtures on our standings and fixtures pages.
