Four FC Augsburg departures were confirmed yesterday. Among the players departing the Bundesliga club after the conclusion of the season will be the highly popular midfielder Frank “the tank” Onyeka. The Nigerian international is heading back to his parent club in London, Brentford FC. 

It remained no secret that Augsburg would have very much liked to keep Onyeka, who made 30 league appearances for the Fuggerstädter this year. The 27-year-old only got his name on the scoresheet once, but was widely regarded as an impactful presence for Jess Thorup’s FCA.

With an estimated market value of €7m, Onyeka would not have been outside Augsburg’s price range. Apparently, the Bees simply want their versatile midfielder back. In addition to Onyeka, Fredrik Jensen, Reece Oxford, and Raphael Framberger will be leaving the Bavarian Swabians. 

Jensen’s departure on an expiring contract served as common knowledge. An official move to St. Louis City SC some weeks ago fell through, but the 27-year-old will surely land somewhere. The Finn maintains an estimated market value of €3.5m

Jensen scored nine goals and provided twelve assists in 110 appearances across all competitions since joining Augsburg from FC Twente in 2018. Oxford and Framberger also put in their fair share of work for their Bundesliga club. Both players made 84 league appearances. 

Framberger – an Augsburg academy man – will be ending his career at the age of 29 after representing the same club professionally for 11 years. Oxford – a West Ham United academy man – played eight seasons in Germany with Augsburg and Borussia Mönchengladbach. 

Oxford’s story retains something of a sad feel as the former English youth international once appeared to have a promising career before him. He served as a regular under Augsburg head coaches Heiko Herrlich and Markus Weinzierl before contracting COVID during the 2022/23 campaign. 

Oxford suffered from long COVID and did not make an appearance for Augsburg over the past two seasons. The once €12m-valued professional will be departing the club on a free. 

GGFN | Peter Weis