Borussia Mönchengladbach and Augsburg consider midfielder swap deal

Sport Bild reports that a midfielder swap deal involving Bundesliga outfits Borussia Mönchengladbach and FC Augsburg may be in the works. The German tabloid claims that Gladbach are willing to offer up German midfielder Florian Neuhaus for French sensation Alexis Claude-Maurice. Gladbach may be willing to cover the difference in the respective market value of the players. 

Claude-Maurice – following a superb season at Augsburg – has quadrupled his estimated market worth to €12m. Neuhaus – while still a valuable presence in the BMG midfield – is valued at only €7m. Both players have been linked with moves to other clubs as well. Besiktas are said to be interested in the German while Stuttgart are eying up the Frenchman as a possible Enzo Millot replacement.

As lopsided as the deal may seem, Augsburg may be keen to pocket some additional cash to be used in a targeted fashion. Once newly appointed head coach Sandro Wagner’s vision for the team becomes clearer during July training camp, the Fuggerstädter can build a squad around Wagner’s vision. 

On the arrival front this summer, Augsburg have already pulled purchase options for on-loan defenders Chrislain Matsima and Cedric Zesiger. Outlays total approximately €9m. Two inlays add up to €7.5. Former German youth international Felix Udoukhai has been sold permanently to Besiktas for €5m. 

Most recently, French attacker Irvin Cardona was sold permanently to AS-Étienne for €2.5m.

GGFN | Peter Weis