Official | Augsburg’s Keven Schlotterbeck completes Southampton switch

Southampton have officially completed the signing of FC Augsburg centre-back Keven Schlotterbeck . The 29-year-old departs the Bundesliga one year before the expiration of his contract and embarks upon the first foreign adventure of his professional career. While Augsburg officially declined to disclose the financial terms, Kicker reports that Southampton have paid a fixed fee of approximately €3.85m.

The move comes somewhat unexpectedly given the defender's recently improved prospects in Augsburg . Schlotterbeck captained Manuel Baum's side and played the full 90 minutes in their 2-0 DFB-Pokal victory over Energie Cottbus. Get German Football News' 2026/27 Augsburg tactical preview projected Schlotterbeck as the established left-sided member of Baum's back three alongside Chrislain Matsima and Noahkai Banks .

Schlotterbeck fulfills ambition to play abroad

The former Freiburg academy defender had repeatedly spoken about wanting to experience football outside Germany before the conclusion of his career. Schlotterbeck developed into a Bundesliga professional at Freiburg before spending the 2019/20 campaign on loan at Union Berlin . Two productive loan spells at Bochum later helped establish him as a reliable Bundesliga centre-back. Augsburg signed Schlotterbeck permanently from Freiburg for approximately €2.5m in summer 2024.

The defender quickly became an important player for the Fuggerstädter, ultimately making 49 competitive appearances while registering three goals and three assists. His first Augsburg campaign also underlined an attacking threat that had already become apparent during his time at Bochum. A muscle injury interrupted an excellent start before competition for places eventually intensified.

GGFN reported on Köln's interest in Schlotterbeck last summer after Zesiger displaced him from the starting XI. Schlotterbeck instead remained in Bavaria and fought his way back into the side during pre-season. He subsequently developed into one of Augsburg's senior leaders and wore the captain's armband on multiple occasions.

Southampton sporting director Johannes Spors specifically identified Schlotterbeck's leadership as part of the attraction. The Saints had been seeking an experienced left-footed centre-back and believe the German's physical and technical qualities fit their needs.

Schlotterbeck joins a Southampton side coached by German trainer Tonda Eckert. The Championship club remain focused on returning to the Premier League after narrowly missing promotion last season.

Statements on Keven Schlotterbeck's Southampton move

"Keven always communicated openly to us that he wanted to take the step abroad at some point in his career," Augsburg sporting director Benni Weber said. "He now has the opportunity to fulfil that wish in England while also building a long-term sporting perspective there. Our discussions with him were always open and very appreciative. Keven served the team completely until his final day and always gave everything for FCA. We expressly thank him for that."

"We had identified the need for a left-footed centre-back and Keven fulfils that requirement while also bringing plenty of experience," Southampton sporting director Johannes Spors said. "His physical and technical qualities are complemented by his mentality. He is a real leader."

"I'm happy and delighted," Schlotterbeck said following his Southampton unveiling. "I have big ambitions. Even though leaving isn't easy for me, moving to England is a very exciting and appealing challenge. I have repeatedly stressed that I wanted to gain experience abroad during my career. I'm very grateful to FC Augsburg for our time together and for the many special moments I was able to experience here."