Augsburg confirms the departure of Dimitrios Giannoulis, who after intense negotiations moves to top‑flight PAOK Thessaloniki. The 30‑year‑old right‑back, contracted until 2028, will fetch a fee of over four million euros and is set to play a test match.
What happened?
According to matching reports from the "Augsburger Allgemeine", "Kicker" and Sky, Augsburg reached an agreement with PAOK. Giannoulis, a regular since his 2022 signing, completed only an individual drill at the training camp in Achenkirch and left the camp promptly. Official confirmation from both clubs is still pending, but the transfer rumor is considered solid.
Why does this matter for Augsburg?
Losing an experienced defender creates a gap in Augsburg's back line that could be felt at the start of the new season. The club finished the 2025 campaign in ninth place in the Bundesliga with 43 points, 12 wins, 7 draws and 15 losses, with recent form LWWDW. Scoring 45 goals while conceding 61 (‑16 goal difference) already puts pressure on the defense – Giannoulis' exit may worsen the situation.
What does this mean for the future?
Augsburg now needs to find a replacement quickly to stabilise the defence. The next mandatory fixture is the home game against FC Schalke 04 on 30 August 2026, a key match to test form. Meanwhile, the team remains 46 points behind Bayern Munich in the title race, so every transfer decision impacts the long‑term goal.
What’s next?
While official confirmation awaits, fans and analysts expect Augsburg to actively search for a new right‑back in the coming weeks. Giannoulis' transfer could also free up financial resources for further signings. The next weeks will reveal whether the club can plug the hole before the new Bundesliga season begins.
