Rising German talent Hennes Behrens (21) targets breakthrough Bundesliga season at Augsburg

German football prodigy Hennes Behrens, 21, aims for a breakout Bundesliga season with Augsburg following Dimitrios Giannoulis' transfer to PAOK. The Bundesliga club recently sold Giannoulis for €4.25m, a sum Behrens' signing with Augsburg cost approximately €3.5m earlier this summer. The young left-back made his mark on loan at Heidenheim last season, scoring once and providing two assists in 16 Bundesliga appearances.

Augsburg head coach Manuel Baum has earmarked Behrens as his preferred first-choice left wing-back for the upcoming 3-4-2-1 formation. Kicker magazine suggests the youngster could play alongside Robin Fellhauer on the opposite flank. Baum anticipates Behrens' athleticism and personality to quickly resonate with Augsburg fans, suggesting he could provide significant energy through his runs down the left touchline.

Behrens has already demonstrated these abilities during Heidenheim's late survival push last season, notably during a 3-3 draw against Bayern Munich where he was tasked with defending against Michael Olise. Augsburg may still explore adding another left-back option, with Fellhauer ready to cover the position if necessary.

Giannoulis' exit from Augsburg has seemingly paved the way for Behrens to become Baum's new first-choice wing-back. Han-Noah Massengo, who previously managed Behrens during his loan spell at Heidenheim, praised the young player's capabilities, stating "Very good" when asked about him. Behrens himself expressed enthusiasm about Augsburg as the perfect setting for his development, citing the club's values and human nature as compelling reasons to join.