Austria Gets a Fifth Premier League Player as Affengruber Joins Fulham from Elche

David Affengruber has completed his move from Elche to Fulham, giving Austria a fifth player in the Premier League. The 25-year-old signed until 2030, with Fulham holding an option to extend the deal for another season.

The London club confirmed the transfer shortly after the deadline at midnight. Reports in the media said Fulham would pay about €12 million, excluding possible bonuses. Several English clubs had shown interest in Affengruber in recent days, including reported interest from Crystal Palace, but Fulham ultimately secured the defender.

The move also reunites Affengruber with Álvaro Arbeloa, who became Fulham’s coach in the summer after a six-month spell in charge of Real Madrid. Arbeloa already knows the defender from La Liga. Fulham finished 11th last season, but have lost their first two Premier League matches under the Spanish coach. The club also signed Eintracht Frankfurt’s Swedish midfielder Hugo Larsson and Spanish midfielder Manuel Angel on deadline day.

“

It is a special day for me and my career.

Affengruber joined Elche from Sturm Graz on a free transfer in 2024, when the Spanish club was in the second division. He helped Elche win promotion to the top flight and became a leadership figure last season. Although his contract had only one year left, and reportedly included a €50 million release clause, Elche chose to sell before his deal expired.

“It is a special day for me and my career,” Affengruber said after passing his medical in London. “This is a big next step for me, and I am very happy to be here. You do not often get an opportunity like this.” He has one international appearance for Austria, earned in March during a 5-1 World Cup warm-up win over Ghana. He traveled to the World Cup in North America but did not play.

“

This is a big next step for me, and I am very happy to be here. You do not often get an opportunity like this.