Things are happening fast at FC Augsburg: Elias Saad on Thursday, new sporting director on Friday, and Robin Fellhauer on Saturday. The 27-year-old is joining from Elversberg on a release clause.
Robin Fellhauer was recently named the best defensive midfielder in the 2nd division in his rankings. The 27-year-old will not be able to defend this title, however, as he has signed a four-year contract with FC Augsburg instead. Thanks to an exit clause, the midfielder, who was captain at Elversberg, will cost a manageable €700,000.
Fellhauer was the heart of the team at Elversberg, which almost won promotion: he was a driving force, strong in the tackle and a good runner, and above all dangerous from distance, as three goals and two assists in the second half of last season prove.
At 27, Fellhauer now wants to seize his chance in the Bundesliga, choosing FC Augsburg over 1. FC Köln and Werder Bremen, who were also interested. There, he could take the place of Frank Onyeka, who has returned to FC Brentford after his loan spell. Under Jess Thorup, FCA lacked creativity and goal-scoring threat from the center of the park, something Fellhauer is expected to change.
The Wagner project gets underway
Fellhauer is the second new signing in three days with the potential to become a regular starter, following winger Elias Saad. FCA’s goal is to sign quality rather than quantity in order to improve the team. With these exciting new additions, the foundation has been laid for the project with coach Sandro Wagner to get underway in pre-season on July 7.
Negotiations on this may then fall to Benjamin Weber, the new sporting director, who will take up his post at the end of July. Squad planner Marc Lettau, head of development Manuel Baum and coordinator of the licensed player department Julian Baumgartlinger will start work next week. There is no question that these are times of change in Augsburg, and exciting ones at that.
