Alexander Esswein (l.) has switched from Nürnberg to Bavarian rivals Augsburg
Alexander Esswein (l.) has switched from Nürnberg to Bavarian rivals Augsburg

Esswein swaps Nürnberg for Augsburg

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Nuremberg/Augsburg – has swapped one Bavarian club for another by joining FC Augsburg from 1. FC Nürnberg on a three-and-a-half-year deal.

Change of scenery

The 23-year-old makes the move six months before his contract in Nuremberg was due to expire and has already linked up his new team-mates in preparing for the second half of the season.

"Alexander Esswein approached us with the clear desire to be released from his contract, which would have expired in the summer, and join FC Augsburg now rather than next season," explained Nürnberg's sporting director Martin Bader. "We have granted him his wish."

The forward will strengthen the Augsburg attack as they aim to secure top-flight safety for a third straight year, with even a European finish still possible for eighth-placed Augsburg. He also leaves a team struggling for survival at the foot of the table. "I'm really looking forward to this new challenge in Augsburg," he said. "I want to help the team reach our goal for the season, which is still to be playing in the Bundesliga next year."

Settling in


"It's great to have sorted this transfer out so quickly before the start of training," said Weinzierl. "That way, Alex can get to know his new team-mates in our training camp and settle into the squad." Esswein's arrival has seen Mathias Fetsch leave Augsburg to join Bundesliga 2 side Energie Cottbus on loan until the end of the season.

Esswein joined Nürnberg from Dynamo Dresden in 2011 and made a total of 66 appearances for der Club, scoring six goals, although he has failed to find the back of the net this season.