Southampton gamble on Schlotterbeck as they rebuild after Spygate

Keven Schlotterbeck, the 29‑year‑old centre back who spent the last two seasons at Augsburg, is on the verge of completing a transfer to English Championship side Southampton, with Sky Germany reporting that a medical is under way to finalise a €4.5 million deal including add‑ons.

Schlotterbeck captained Augsburg for two seasons, accumulating 152 Bundesliga appearances and scoring ten goals during his spell in Germany’s top flight.

Southampton seek defensive revival after Spygate

Last season the Saints were close to promotion to the Premier League but were expelled from the playoffs following a “Spygate” scandal that involved unauthorised filming of rival clubs’ training sessions ahead of their match against Middlesbrough.

Determined to bounce back, Southampton now aim to strengthen their back line as they set their sights on a return to the English top flight.

BBC Southampton have identified Schlotterbeck as a direct replacement for 24‑year‑old centre back Taylor Harwood‑Bellis, who has been linked with a move away and has missed recent games for the club.

The addition of a former Augsburg captain brings experience and a proven ten‑goal tally for a defender, bolstering Southampton’s chances of achieving promotion.

For Schlotterbeck, the move offers a new challenge in the English Championship after leaving his leadership role in the Bundesliga.