Official | Augsburg take attacker Ismaël Gharbi on loan, ship Kyliane Dong back to Ligue 2 | OneFootball

Not long after Augsburg confirmed the blockbuster purchase of Fabian Rieder from Stade Rennes, another attacking addition was introduced. Spanish attacking midfielder Ismaël Gharbi will join the Bavarian Swabian Bundesliga outfit on loan from sporting Braga. All German footballing media sources report that Augsburg have secured a purchase option as part of the deal.

The French born Gharbi – who has represented Spain at youth level and is also set to represent Tunisia soon – can function either as a left wingback or a No. 10. The 21-year-old made 23 league appearances for his Portuguese outfit last season, scoring four goals. Gharbi also brings with him the experience of nine Europa League appearances and is valued at €7.5m

There are more transactions to be confirmed on the Augsburg front. April singing Kyliane Dong is headed back to Ligue 2. The former FC Troyes man will spend the season on loan at FC Pau. Dong played essentially no role in head coach Sandro Wagner’s plans this season. Another French loan out involving the FCA – striker Steve Mounie’s move to Angers – is expected to be confirmed soon.

“Kyliane has show promise during the pre-season,” FCA sporting director Benjamin Weber noted in a club statement. “However, due to the strong competition for his position, the best solution at the moment is for him to get regular playing time on loan.“

“With Ismael, we are gaining a strong dribbling attacker,” Weber noted of Gharbi’s arrival. “Despite being only 21 years old, he already has experience at the highest level. His strength in one-on-one situations and his flexibility will significantly enrich our game.”

“When the offer came from FC Augsburg, I knew immediately that I wanted to seize this opportunity,” said Gharbi, who will initially join the Tunisian national team, eagerly awaiting his Bundesliga adventure. “FCA is an ambitious club whose style of play suits me very well. I’m really looking forward to playing in the Bundesliga.”

GGFN | Peter Weis