FC Augsburg centre-back Keven Schlotterbeck is reportedly on the verge of completing a move to Southampton. The 29-year-old defender is expected to undergo a medical with the Championship club on Wednesday, according to Augsburger Allgemeine.
The proposed transfer would see Augsburg receive a fee of €3.85 million, with performance-related bonuses potentially adding another €650,000 to the total package. The deal would represent a significant profit on the €2.5 million the Bavarian club paid to sign him from Freiburg just twelve months ago. With Schlotterbeck entering the final year of his contract, the timing allows Augsburg to secure value rather than risk losing him on a free transfer when his deal expires next summer.
Schlotterbeck’s debut season at the WWK Arena proved challenging. After arriving with expectations of solidifying the defence, he lost his place in the starting eleven during the closing stages of the campaign. He managed 26 appearances across all competitions but found himself on the periphery of the squad as the season concluded, prompting the club to consider offers.
The move marks a significant shift in destination for the defender. Earlier in the transfer window, Schlotterbeck rejected the opportunity to join Bundesliga rivals VfL Wolfsburg, preferring to hold out for alternative options. Rather than remaining in German football, he has now elected to test himself in the English Championship.
The medical examination scheduled for Wednesday represents the final hurdle before the transfer can be formalised. Should the procedure be completed without issue, Southampton will add experienced defensive cover to their squad as they prepare for the upcoming Championship campaign. Neither club has issued an official statement regarding the agreement.
Augsburg now face the task of identifying a replacement centre-back with the transfer window continuing. The departure would leave a gap in their defensive options for the new Bundesliga season, though the funds generated should provide flexibility in their search for reinforcements.