Keven Schlotterbeck has left FC Augsburg to join English Championship side Southampton. The 28-year-old defender signed a three-year deal with the English club, as confirmed by Augsburg on Tuesday. The news was first reported by the official Bundesliga website www.bundesliga.com.
FC Augsburg finished the previous season in 10th place in the Bundesliga with 33 points from 29 games. Their record was 9 wins, 6 draws, and 14 defeats, with a goal difference of 36 scored and 53 conceded. This left them 43 points behind champions Bayern Munich. Their next league match is at home against FC Schalke 04 on Saturday.
Why did Schlotterbeck leave FC Augsburg?
Keven Schlotterbeck had always been open about his desire to take another step abroad in his career. FC Augsburg's sporting director, Benjamin Weber, stated: "Keven has always been open with us about his desire to take another step abroad in his career." The move to England fulfills this career wish for the defender. Schlotterbeck himself expressed gratitude for his time in Augsburg. "I’m very grateful to Augsburg for the time we spent together, for the open communication, and for the many special moments," said the 28-year-old.
Schlotterbeck joined FC Augsburg from SC Freiburg ahead of the 2024/25 season. Over two seasons at the WWK Arena, the older brother of Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck made a total of 49 appearances across all competitions. Prior to his move to Augsburg, he had loan spells at Union Berlin and at VfL Bochum, where he spent two temporary stints.
How does the departure affect the squad?
With the departure of Keven Schlotterbeck, FC Augsburg has now seen 16 players leave the club this summer. The club, under the sporting direction of Benjamin Weber, must account for these departures in their squad planning. The current team roster and their statistics can be viewed on our squad page. Losing an experienced centre-back in the final phase of the transfer window presents a challenge.
Augsburg began their 2024/25 campaign with a 2-0 win last Saturday in the first round of the DFB Cup against Energie Cottbus. Their first Bundesliga match of the new season is at home against Schalke on Sunday at 5:30 PM CEST. The complete season schedule can be found on our fixtures overview.
What does the transfer mean for Southampton?
For English Championship side Southampton, whose sporting director is Johannes Spors, the signing of Schlotterbeck represents a reinforcement of their defence. The 28-year-old brings Bundesliga experience and the opportunity to prove himself in English football. For Southampton, it is a typical signing for the second tier of English football.
FC Augsburg must now use the remaining time before the transfer window closes to make any necessary adjustments to the squad. The current league table situation and further statistics are available on our standings page. The team managed by ??? faces a demanding season after finishing the previous campaign with a run of five matches without a win (two draws, three losses).
