FC Augsburg

“FC Augsburg is a great opportunity for me. The very positive discussions with the club convinced me that this is the right step in my career, so I’m pleased that the transfer is over the line. I want to get to know my teammates as quickly as possible and get settled into the team,” said Colina.

A number of academy players were involved in the first of two matches to take place at the training pitches at the WWK-ARENA. David Colina also started the game following the announcement of his arrival from HNK Hajduk Split in the morning.

FCA head coach Enrico Maaßen was without four players: Mads Pedersen and Julian Baumgartlinger missed out with illness, whilst Reece Oxford and Niklas Dorsch are still regaining fitness. Up front with Mergim Berisha was new signing Dion Beljo – the 1.95m striker featured from the start.

Florian Niederlechner joins Hertha BSC with immediate effect Striker featured in 107 competitive games for FCA...

The 22-year-old attacker, who can play as a centre forward or out wide, previously impressed with a spell at SK Sturm Graz. The Italy U21 international (four appearances) was involved in 30 goals in 45 competitive games for the Austrians (20 goals, 10 assists).

Cardona was born on 8th August and therefore shares a birthday with FCA, joins from French top-flight side Stade Brest. In 102 Ligue 1 games, the 25-year-old scored 18 goals and registered seven assists. Cardona has signed a four-and-a-half year contract until 30th June 2027.

The 25-year-old, who moved to Augsburg from FC Twente in the Netherlands ahead of the 2018/19 campaign, celebrated his 50th Bundesliga appearance in an FCA shirt this season. The right-footer, who has already played in several positions this term, has scored six goals and provided seven assists in 59 games.

“In the extended winter break we were able to work on important tactical aspects and to increase the depth of our squad. This gives me optimism for the 19 games that still lie ahead of us,” said FCA head coach Enrico Maaßen, looking ahead positively to the Bundesliga restart in the New Year. For their first game, FCA will travel to face Borussia Dortmund. The Black-Yellows currently lie in sixth place: “BVB have an excellent team and always have the potential to be high up the table come the end of the season. We have to work together, show willpower and also be prepared to suffer at times. If we do this, then we will get chances.”

In Dion Beljo and Arne Engels, head coach Maaßen handed FCA debuts to two new arrivals. Fellow new singings David Čolina, Kelvin Yeboah and Irvin Cardona were named on the bench, while Niklas Dorsch was named in the matchday squad for the first time this season as he returned from a long injury break.

Kelvin Yeboah: “It was a great game. We did a lot right, but we also made mistakes. It’s tough to be standing here without any points despite having scored three goals in Dortmund. Making my debut for FCA in a game like that is a special experience. We can take a lot of positives from the game, but we also know that we have to keep working hard.”