Southampton Target David Affengruber as Harwood-Bellis Replacement

Southampton considered David Affengruber as a possible centre-back target during the final days of the window, but the link has now been superseded by Zach Abbott’s confirmed arrival from Nottingham Forest.

Update (1 September 2026): Southampton have confirmed Zach Abbott’s season-long loan. With no Affengruber transfer announced and Sky Sport Austria reporting that the player rejected Saints, this entry is now retained as an unresolved/superseded link rather than an active target.

The Southampton Link

The Daily Echo reported on 31 August that Saints were targeting the Elche centre-back and monitoring other options in the position. The report said Affengruber, 25, had played 36 La Liga matches last season and was in the final year of his Elche contract. Separate reporting from Spain had suggested a deal could be discussed around €10m-€12m.

Conflicting Update

The story became less straightforward later the same day. Sky Sport Austria reported that Affengruber had rejected Southampton and that Crystal Palace were now pushing for the Austrian defender. That directly conflicts with the Daily Echo’s account of Saints’ interest, so this should be treated as a live but uncertain link rather than an active negotiation that is close to completion.

Outcome

Southampton moved for Abbott instead, adding the Nottingham Forest defender on a season-long loan alongside Keven Schlotterbeck. No Affengruber fee, agreement or medical should be presented as fact.

Reliability note: Tier 2 - Generally Reliable - The Daily Echo and Sky Sport Austria both reported on the story, but their conclusions conflict. The link is credible; the current status is not settled.