The third division clubs are also busy working on their squads and looking beyond their national borders.

FC Ingolstadt have had a disappointing season in the 3rd division. Now many things are set to improve, and to this end the squad is being shaken up.

After Tim Heike (Energie Cottbus), the FCI has now signed Mattis Hoppe from VfB Stuttgart II. He is the third addition this summer and will compete with Marcel Costly in the right-back position.

“Mattis Hoppe is a highly talented young right-back who has continued to develop over a long period of time at VfB Stuttgart and has been a key pillar of the defensive unit on the right flank. His great strength lies in forward movement in particular, meaning that he has attracted attention in the past two years both as a goalscorer and as a provider of assists. In addition, Mattis can also provide offensive impetus on the left flank and thus make our game even more varied. We are convinced of his potential and will support him in the best possible way so that he can take the next step in his young career at our club,” said sporting director Ivo Grlic, who is delighted with the addition.

In contrast to FC Ingolstadt, FC Erzgebirge Aue have had a good season, which now needs to be confirmed. The third new signing has now been unveiled in the Erzgebirge.

The eleven-time Austrian U21 international Pascal Fallmann is moving to Aue. He was most recently on loan from Rapid Vienna to SC Freiburg II. Now he is moving from Vienna to Aue. He will replace Tim Danhof, who is leaving the club.

“Pascal Fallmann has all the prerequisites for our requirement profile for a modern right-back and can also play offensively on the wing. He was one of the most noticeable players in Freiburg last season, making 34 appearances. We are very pleased that he sees the greatest opportunities for his personal development with us at Aue,” explained Aue’s sporting director Matthias Heidrich.