A speedy winger who loves to dribble: Kabadayi in focus

Versatile attacker arrives in Augsburg

FC Augsburg have bolstered their attack with the signing of promising winger Yusuf Kabadayi. We’re taking a closer look at FCA’s newest arrival, who started his career off in Munich before a loan stint at Schalke last season.

During a photo and video shoot at Wittelsbacher Park, Yusuf Kabadayi explains that he knows Augsburg well. “It’s very clean, there’s a lot of greenery – I like that,” says the 20-year-old in an interview with FCA TV. The last time Kabadayi was in the city was September 2022, when he was playing for FC Bayern’s second team against FCA U23s at the historic Rosenaustadion. Even then the winger showed flashes of his potential, with his dribbling skills, ability to use both feet and explosive pace.

Kabadayi had been part of the German record champions’ academy at every age group since joining the club’s U8 side, before he was loaned out to FC Schalke 04 last season. Kabadayi made 23 appearances in the 2. Bundesliga for the Royal Blues, causing a stir early on in the campaign after coming off the bench and scoring in games against Paderborn and Hertha BSC. His best game came against eventual champions FC St. Pauli, as he bagged a brace in a 3-1 win for S04.

Several caps at youth level

Many clubs were in the market for Kabadayi as a result of his impressive performances for the Royal Blues, with FC Augsburg eventually winning the race for the Munich-born attacker. “I’ll be able to reach my true potential here,” notes the tricky winger. Kabadayi also has experience on the international stage, playing at U15 and U16 level for Türkiye – his parents’ homeland. The 20-year-old opted to represent Germany’s youth sides in 2021 and has gone on to make 18 appearances for the U18s, U19s and U20s, scoring four goals.

FCA’s new signing is comfortable playing on either wing and can also be deployed as an attacking midfielder or second striker. He is in line to make his first appearance in red, white and green on Saturday, 13th July (14:00 CEST) when Augsburg face off against TSV Schwaben. The friendly will be played at the Rosenaustadion – the same place where Kabadayi put his skills on show two years ago.