FC Augsburg target St. Pauli midfielder Joel Chima Fujita
FC Augsburg have joined the race for St. Pauli star Joel Chima Fujita as his value soars following relegation. However, the Japanese midfielder is reportedly eyeing more attractive offers with a move to England his preferred priority.
The departure of Joel Chima Fujita appears increasingly inevitable. According to the Hamburger Abendblatt, FC Augsburg has emerged as one of the suitors interested in securing the central midfielder following FC St. Pauli’s relegation from the Bundesliga.
The report suggests that the "Fuggerstädter" maintain a "great interest" in the 24-year-old Japanese international. However, current indications imply that Fujita has already fielded more prestigious offers, leaving Augsburg as an unlikely frontrunner in the pursuit of his signature.
Despite St. Pauli’s struggles, Fujita remained one of the club's "most eye-catching players" throughout the campaign. His market value reflected this consistency, surging "from 3 to 10 million euros within a season," according to Transfermarkt. Consequently, the hierarchy at Millerntor is holding out for a significant transfer fee. It is understood that a "departure of the midfielder is only supposed to be a matter of time," contingent only on the selection of his next destination.
While his ultimate landing spot remains "still open," it is no secret that Fujita "dreams of a move to the English Premier League."
Beyond staying in the German top flight, the Hamburger Abendblatt notes that "a change to an ambitious club from the championship also seems conceivable." Alongside his representatives, Fujita intends to "continue to monitor the development before a decision is made."