FC Augsburg barely avoided relegation from the Bundesliga this season and can now look forward to a new season in Bundesliga, for a fresh start. That is a matter for the future, which is uncertain. But certain is the fact that they have already started looking to build a new great team for the next season, as Augsburg confirmed signings at once on 29th June 2020 with all three of them being free transfers.
Midfielders Tobias Strobl from Borussia Mönchengladbach and Daniel Caligiuri from FC Schalke 04, as well as goalkeeper Rafal Gikiewicz from 1. FC Union Berlin will all play for FC Augsburg from next season. Both Strobl and Caligiuri signed 3-year contracts until 30th June 2023 while Rafal penned down a 2-year contract until 30th June 2022.
Tobias Strobl
Amongst the Augsburg confirmed signings, the first, Tobias Strobl, is a 30-year-old, solid defensive midfielder who has been playing in Bundesliga for the senior team since 11/12 season. He played for TSG 1899 Hoffenheim for 4 seasons in Bundesliga while playing for FC Köln on loan in Bundesliga’s 2nd division for 1 season. Then he arrived at Borussia Mönchengladbach and played for 4 straight seasons in Bundesliga before signing for FC Augsburg. He has played 152 games in Bundesliga over 8 seasons scoring a solitary goal and 11 assists. He is good at passing and blocks. He likes to play long balls. He can also play as centre back and right back and thus, brings versatility along with him.
“FC Augsburg has developed really well over the past few years. I have always followed their progress with real interest. I’m therefore pleased to now be at FCA and I hope I can help play a part in the club’s further development.”
Tobias Strobl after signing for Augsburg
Daniel Caliguiri
Next on the Augsburg confirmed signings, Daniel Caligiuri, 32-year-old, is a veteran player of Bundesliga. He has completed 298 appearances over 12 seasons in Bundesliga and scored 40 goals while assisting 50 times. He has played in SC Freiburg, VFL Wolfsburg and FC Schalke 04, all for 4 seasons each. He is mainly a right midfielder, but can play effectively as a right-winger or right back. He likes to take set-pieces, he is good at aerial duels, direct free-kicks, dribbling, crossing, placing long balls. He presents a huge defensive contribution as he is good at tackling. He also likes to cut inside and shoot from distance. So Ausburg might have already found a solution to their problem at the right flank, as with Caligiuri’s arrival, they will gain experience too which is needed to put up good results. Daniel Caligiuri completed his medical in Augsburg on Monday looks forward to a new phase in his career.
“I was convinced by the conversations I had with Heiko Herrlich and Stefan Reuter. I immediately had the feeling that my qualities were in demand here. Playing against FCA has also been difficult, whether it was for Freiburg, Wolfsburg, or Schalke. I’m confident that the FCA mentality will suit my way of playing. I’m happy to be part of this club, and I’m sure that Augsburg is still on the way up in the Bundesliga.”
Daniel Caligiuri after his medical
Rafael Gikiewicz
Finally the last of the Augsburg confirmed signings, Rafal Gikiewicz, a 32-year-old veteran goalkeeper played for several clubs in his career. Amongst these, he made major appearances for Eintracht Braunschweig in Bundesliga’s 2nd division over 2 seasons and for 1. FC Union Berlin over 2 seasons, whom he helped to be promoted to Bundesliga and then keeping them afloat in Bundesliga in his 2nd season. He is good at long passing and shot-stopping. He has kept 8 clean sheets this season in the league with impressive 3.2 saves per game.
“I had a really great time at Union, but I’m now looking forward to a new – and hopefully successful – chapter in my career. I think I’ll adapt quickly, as Union and FCA are similar in many aspects. The fan initiative ‘Augsburg Calling’ was also praised by the Union fans.”
Rafal Gikiewicz after signing for Augsburg
FC Augsburg has barely avoided relegation this season with accumulating only 36 points from 34 matches, seeing themselves at 15th position in the table. They have conceded 63 goals while scored only 45 goals. These 3 signings shall be a huge booster to the next season, as all are experienced and fits them perfectly. Moreover, they have been free transfers and so the club doesn’t have to worry financially. Putting the words of the general manager of FC Augsburg:
“We are pleased that we have signed three players that possess a lot of quality, and they are all strong characters, who were leaders at their clubs. We are certain that they will help us both on and off the pitch with their mentalities.”
Stefan Reuter on the trio
That’s all regarding the news of Augsburg confirmed signings. What is your take on this? Let us know in the comment section below.
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