Fulham have confirmed the signing of Austrian centre-back David Affengruber from La Liga club Elche. The 25-year-old defender has put pen to paper on a four-year contract that will keep him at Craven Cottage until the summer of 2030, with the club holding an option to extend the deal by an additional year. The club announced the news on Tuesday, September 1st.
Affengruber arrives as Fulham look to bolster a defence that has conceded four goals in their opening two Premier League fixtures. The club currently sits 16th in the table with zero points from two defeats, a position they will be eager to improve starting with their next match against Crystal Palace at home on September 5th.
David Affengruber brings a wealth of European experience to west London. He began his senior career in Austria with FC Liefering, where he made 51 appearances and contributed five goals and seven assists. A move to SK Sturm Graz followed, where he became a mainstay over three seasons. During his time in Graz, the club finished as runners-up in the Austrian Bundesliga each year and he gained valuable experience in both the UEFA Europa League and Champions League. In 126 appearances for Sturm Graz, he recorded an impressive 17 goal involvements, scoring ten times and providing seven assists.
His performances earned him a move to Spain with Elche. In his first campaign, he was instrumental in helping the club win promotion to La Liga. He then played a key role in ensuring their top-flight survival last season, departing the Spanish side with two goals and four assists from 84 total appearances.
The Austrian international joins a Fulham side that has started the 2026/27 season with consecutive losses, leaving them six points adrift of early leaders Manchester City. With two goals scored and four conceded, strengthening the defensive unit has been identified as a priority. Affengruber's versatility and ball-playing ability from the back are seen as assets that can help solidify the team's structure. His arrival adds depth and competition for places in Marco Silva's defence, which fans can explore further on the official squad list.
Tony Khan, Fulham's Director of Football, expressed his satisfaction with the acquisition. "I’m thrilled to welcome David Affengruber to Fulham!" Khan said. "David is a very talented defender in the prime of his career."
Affengruber has progressed through the Austrian youth ranks, representing his country at Under-19 and Under-21 levels. His consistent club form was rewarded earlier this year when he earned his first senior cap for Austria. His rise continued as he was selected for the Austria squad that competed at the recent World Cup, giving him experience on the game's biggest stage.
Speaking to FFCtv after completing the move, the new signing shared his excitement. "It is a special day for me and my career," David Affengruber said. "This is a big next step for me, and I am very proud and happy to be here." His immediate focus will be on integrating with the team ahead of the weekend's key Premier League encounter at home to Crystal Palace, who currently sit 18th in the standings. The defender is tied to Fulham until at least the summer of 2030.
