FC Augsburg have completed the signing of Hoffenheim left-back Hennes Behrens. The 21-year-old joins the Bavarians on a deal until 2031 after the clubs agreed a fee of €3.5 million. According to Bild and Sky, the deal includes up to €1m in add-ons and a 10% sell-on clause. A medical is due in the coming days before the contract is signed.
Why did Augsburg move for Behrens?
Behrens impressed during his loan at 1. FC Heidenheim last term. In 16 Bundesliga appearances he scored once and made two assists, lifting his market value from €400k to €5m. That makes him the second-most valuable German U21 full-back behind Union Berlin’s Tom Rothe. At Hoffenheim he had no future after his February 2025 debut – no further appearances followed.
The move ties directly to the likely exit of Dimitrios Giannoulis. Gazzetta reports PAOK Thessaloniki have bid €3.5m plus bonuses, above his current €3m valuation. Bild, however, says talks are complicated and a quick resolution is unlikely. Premier League newcomer Coventry City have also shown interest in the Greek.
What does this mean for Augsburg?
Augsburg sit ninth in the Bundesliga with 43 points from 34 games (12 wins, seven draws, 15 losses) and trail leaders Bayern München by 46 points. The Fuggerstadt side have conceded 61 goals – only six teams have shipped more. Behrens is expected to shore up the left flank and replace Giannoulis’ output.
Competition is fierce: Bernardo, a regular last season, now faces a battle with 20-year-old Mats Rots, signed from Twente Enschede for €12m. Augsburg have also added depth elsewhere in defence as they chase a top-seven finish.
Next steps
Behrens will undergo a medical in the coming days before penning his deal. The club’s focus now shifts to integrating the new arrival and gauging his readiness for first-team action. After a stuttering first half of the season – just four wins from 16 games – the pressure is on for a stronger second act. Behrens could be the answer if he delivers from day one.
