Maaßen confirms Berisha wishes to depart Augsburg
In his post-match interview following Augsburg's 4-4 draw, FCA trainer Enrico Maaßen confirmed that German striker Mërgim Berisha had lodged a transfer request.
Newly capped senior German team international Mërgim Berisha of FC Augsburg has been linked with a move away from the Fuggerstadt all summer. Berisha's current club recently purchased him permanently after taking him on loan last season, but the 25-year-old reportedly wished to move to a larger club to enhance his national team prospects.
Rumors cooled after FCA sporting executive Stefan Reuter let it be known that his administrative team hadn't received any concrete offers for the attacker. Berisha also incurred an injury during his team's training camp, rendering a move elsewhere less likely. The former RB Salzburg and Fenerbahçe professional did start in Augsburg's season opener against Gladbach, yet was the first player Maaßen subbed off at 58 minutes.
Speaking to the Sky microphones after the wild eight-goal affair, Maaßen confirmed that Berisha had expressed his desire to leave. Maaßen noted that Berisha "wishes to take the next step". The FCA trainer cited "financial conditions" as one of the factors influencing a potential move. The player reportedly only cost the Fuggerstädter €4 million, but they are said to wish to fetch €15-20 million for him.