Fulham Confident Of Sneaky Defensive Hijack Deal

Fulham Make Deadline-Day Move For David Affengruber

Fulham are making a deadline-day move for David Affengruber, with the 25-year-old Austrian centre-back emerging as a major target as they look to strengthen their defence before tonight's deadline.

Austria centre-back David Affengruber has emerged as potential deadline-day deal for Fulham. The Elche player, 25, has been in La Liga for two years playing regularly and fits the data model. #FFC They are trying for Manuel Angel and Hugo Larsson MD
https://t.co/7oAjyeUF29

— Mike McGrath (@mcgrathmike) September 1, 2026

However, there is competition for his signature, with Southampton also pursuing a deal for Affengruber. Fulham have now opened talks as they attempt to hijack Southampton's move, meaning they are doing more than simply showing interest in the defender.

Affengruber has been heavily involved for Elche this season, playing every available minute in La Liga so far. This shows Fulham would be getting somebody who is already playing regular first-team football and should be ready to come straight into the side if a deal can be completed.

Affengruber Could Strengthen Fulham's Defence

Despite only being 25 years old, Affengruber already has plenty of experience. Before moving to Elche, he played regularly for Sturm Graz and was part of the side that won the Austrian Bundesliga in the 2023/24 season.

Since making the move to Spain, Affengruber has made 79 appearances for Elche across all competitions, giving him plenty of senior experience before a potential move to the Premier League.

Fulham are looking for centre-back reinforcements and, from what we have seen so far this season, strengthening their defence could be important. Affengruber could provide more consistency at the back and has enough experience to realistically compete for a place in Fulham's first team immediately.

It also looks set to be a very busy deadline day at Craven Cottage, with Manuel Ángel and Hugo Larsson among the other players being targeted by the club.

Affengruber could therefore be just one part of Fulham's late transfer business, although they will first have to beat Southampton to his signature before the window closes.