FC St. Pauli have confirmed their third summer signing. Hamburg’s Kiezkicker remain proactive ahead of the coming Bundesliga campaign. After organizing a new loan deal for USMNT international James Sands and snapping up Polish right back Arkadiusz Pyrka on a free, another defensive-minded addition arrives.
SK Klagenfurt centre-back Jannik Robatsch has been signed for an undisclosed fee. The 20-year-old brings only maintains an estimated market value of €600,000, but does bring with him the experience of 41 Austrian top flight appearances.
Interestingly enough, Robatsch raised his stock quite a bit this year when the return of Bundesliga “cult defender” Martin Hinteregger to professional football pushed him out of central defense and into the left-back position.
Though he ultimately wasn’t able to help Klagenfurt avoid relegation, Robatsch caught the eye of St. Pauli management. In club statements, sporting director Andreas Bornemann and head coach Alexander Blessin made clear they had plans to use him in diverse roles.
“Jannik brings a very exciting profile and experience at a solid level,” Bornemann’s statement read. “That’s why we believe he can compete for playing time right away, though his age may necessitate an adjustment period.“
“Jannik is courageous, both with the ball and in defense,” Blessin added. “His greatest strengths lie in central defense, but he can also be used on the wing. In addition, his height makes him a factor in set pieces and he poses an additional goal threat with his headers.“
“In recent years, young players have repeatedly made the step up to a higher level at FC St. Pauli,” Robatsch himself noted. “I want to take this opportunity to follow in their footsteps and prove myself in the Bundesliga. I’m also very excited about my new teammates, the city of Hamburg, and, of course, the Millerntor and the fans.“
Transfermarkt cites unnamed sources to claim that St. Pauli have spent €400,000 to acquire their prospect.
