Augsburg promote American prospect Banks to senior team

FC Augsburg have found an internal solution for the presumed departure of German central defender Felix Uduokhai. On Wednesday it was confirmed that German-American center back Noahkai Banks would receive a professional contract. The 17-year-old signed a three-year-deal with the senior team yesterday. The FCA academy man earned promotion from the U19s last year, making six appearances and scoring two goals for the U23s in the Bavarian Regionalliga.

"I'm delighted to have been given the chance to establish myself with the professionals," Banks noted in a club statement accompanying the signing, "It's a childhood dream come true for me and I'll do everything I can to be able to represent the FCA in the Bundesliga." 

"Noahkai is a very talented central defender who we believe is capable of making the leap to the Bundesliga," sporting director Marinko Jurendic added, "Last season in particular showed that he can adapt quickly at the next level and has earned this step into the professional squad."