Augsburg complete fifth deadline day transaction with Maurice signing

A reported upon "busy day" at Augsburg did ultimately end with the Fuggerstädter bringing in all three of the players rumored to be on the verge of joining the club. In total, the Bavarian Swabians secured three new signings on transfer deadline day. French central defender Chrislain Matsima arrived on loan from AS Monaco. Nigerian defensive midfielder Frank Onyeka also came to Augsburg on loan.

After the close of business, it remained possible for Marinko Jurendic and the FCA administrative team to sign free-agent Alexis Claude-Maurice. The former Lorient, OGC Nice, and RC Lens attacking midfielder/striker was snatched up on a free transfer and unveiled Saturday morning. There were also two notable departures on the Augsburg front on Friday. Midfielder Niklas Dorsch was sold to Heidenheim whilst the club also pocketed a large fee for Arne Engles.

The 26-year-old Maurice moves abroad fro the first time in his career after Nice opted not to extend his expiring contract this summer. The former French youth international brings with him the experience of 102 Ligue 1 appearances. He's netted 10 goals for his three clubs in "La Republique". Maurice was also deployed six times in the Europa League, scoring on one occasion. 

“Alexis brings a lot of playing experience from the top French league and the junior national teams,” Jurendic noted in a statement, “He can be used variably in attack. With his technical skills, agility, and creativity, he should provide important impetus to our attacking play; especially in the final third.”

“After my contract ended in Nice, I was looking for an ambitious club where I could develop in the best possible way," the player himself added. The talks with those responsible at FC Augsburg were extremely positive and gave me the feeling that I'm in the right place here. I'm in the prime of my footballing career and want to help the team with good performances.”