Third-division club Hallescher FC has made another move in the transfer market and signed a striker.

After the 2-1 opening league win against Rot-Weiss Essen and the DFB Cup exit against second division side Greuther Fürth, Hallescher FC have lured a new man to the Saale ahead of their next league game at FC Ingolstadt (Saturday, 19 August, 2pm).

HFC signed Patrick Hasenhüttl, a robust central striker. The 26-year-old Austrian will strengthen the HFC squad with his skills and qualities with immediate effect.

Hasenhüttl, who moves to the Saale from Austria Klagenfurt and was most recently loaned to VfB Oldenburg (26 appearances, three goals), is a versatile striker who stands tall at 1.90 metres.

“We have been looking for a tall, strong-headed central striker for some time, who can make our game more variable and give us more options in different game situations. With Patrick, we have found exactly these qualities. We are convinced that he will fit seamlessly into the team,” explains HFC sporting director Thomas Sobotzik.

Hasenhüttl has third league experience from 48 matches, in which he scored eight goals. In addition to VfB Oldenburg, he has also played for Türkgücü München.

The attacker trained with Spielvereinigung Unterhaching, VfB Stuttgart (2013-2015) and Halle’s next third-league opponents FC Ingolstadt 04 (2015-2016).

Father Hasenhüttl last coached in the Premier League

Hasenhüttl’s father Ralf will be a familiar name to professional football fans. Once a striker himself, he is now a successful football coach. Hasenhüttl senior last worked in the Premier League for Southampton FC between December 2018 and November 2022. The “Saints” have since been relegated and are now trying to return to the Premier League. Previously, Hasenhüttl also spent two years as head coach of RB Leipzig and three years at Ingolstadt before that. Hallens’ next away game at FCI is accordingly a special start for the Hasenhüttl family.