St. Pauli sign former Dortmund keeper as emergency back-up

FC St. Pauli - having lost three backup keepers to injury - have signed a new back-up for starting net-minder Nicola Vasilj. Former Borussia Dortmund keeper Eric Oelschlägel joined the Kiezkicker on a free transfer Wednesday afternoon. The former Dresden and Bremen academy man has been without a club since his contract with Dutch second division side Fc Emmen expired this summer. 

Oelschlägel will immediately serve as Vasilj's backup; a spot rendered vacant by the sidelined Sascha Burchert and Sören Ahlers. Both keepers have been struggling with knee problems. St. Pauli signed another keeper over the summer, but former Viktoria Köln shot-stopper Ben Voll is also out with a broken jaw. Oelschlägel has 67 3. Liga appearances to his credit.

The 29-year-old Oelschlägel never featured above the German third division despite being under contract with Dortmund for three seasons between 2018 and 2020. He did appear once for the BVB seniors in Germany's domestic cup, regrettably letting in three goals and losing a shootout in a loss against Bremen.

“Eric brings the composure and experience we need in this position," St. Pauli sporting director Andreas Bornemann noted in a club statement, "He is used to the high level of play [Oelschlägel played for Utrecht before moving to Emmen] in the Netherlands.”