Michel completes Augsburg switch
Veteran striker Sven Michel's transfer to FC Augsburg was officially confirmed on Monday evening.
FC Augsburg unveiled striker Sven Michel as a new player on Monday evening. The 32-year-old signed a new two-year deal in Germany's Fuggerstadt. In reporting on the deal, Germany's Kicker Magazine reiterates its earlier reports that Union have been paid a transfer fee of some €950,000 and that the striker will earn approximately €300,000 annually. It was this salary offer - according to Kicker - that eventually led to Michel opting for Augsburg over another interested club, VfL Bochum.
"The move to FCA is exactly the right step for me, because I want to be on the pitch more regularly again and take on leadership roles as an experienced player, Michel noted in a statement released by the club, "Of course, [my departure from Union] was somewhat bittersweet. The time at Union was the most successful of my career. I'll never forget the successes in the league, the trips through Europe and, of course, the crazy atmosphere at the Alte Försterei."
"Sven Michel has shown both during his time at 1. FC Union Berlin and SC Paderborn that he is a striker with great commitment, cleverness, and an eye for goal," FCA sporting director Stefan Reuter added, " In addition to his footballing strengths, which will aid our attack greatly, he is also a real popular figure off the pitch who will help our young players. That's why we're very pleased that the transfer has worked out."
In reporting on the deal, Kicker journalist Jörn Petersen actually notes that recent Augsburg signing Mërgim Berisha does wish to depart for a different club. Petersen writes that Augsburg are deliberately stacking the striking corps to prepare for such an eventuality. The German journalist nevertheless notes that Reuter and the front office haven't received any concrete offers yet.
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