Augsburg updates: Hoffenheim take interest in Uduokhai, Kücüksahin inks professional deal

A reported upon cancelled transfer to Beşiktaş Istanbul doesn't necessarily mean that German central defender Felix Uduokhai will be remaining at Augsburg this summer. Germany's Fuggerstädter, in all likelihood, will still wish to rid themselves of the notoriously fickle center back after his second about-face in as many summers. German footballing journalist Michael Pfeifer of Kicker Magazine reports that TSG 1899 Hoffenheim may be interested in picking the player up.

Hoffenheim find themselves in desperate need of additional help in central defense following Ozan Kabak's ACL injury. Flops Stanley Nsoki and Attila Szalai are both reported to be on the way out. Pfeifer writes that Hoffenheim are now considering Uduokhai, who has little sporting prospects left in Augsburg following the signing of Keven Schlotterbeckand the promotion of young prospect Noahkai Banks to the senior team.

Pfeifer claims that the Kraichgauer are no longer interested in former Hertha and Germany youth international Jordan Torunarigha. Augsburg, meanwhile, continue to promote central defensive minded players to the senior team ranks. Six days after confirming a professional contract for Banks. the FCA announced that defensive midfielder/central defender Mahmut Kücüksahin would receive a new deal. 

The 20-year-old recently fought his way back from injury, delivered several stellar performances for the U23s, and made his senior team debut as a late sub in Augsburg's final match of the 2023/24 season. The club confirmed a two-year-deal for their academy player. FCA sporting director called Kücüksahin a "high potential player with great intelligence and ball control" in a club statement.