What happened?

SpVgg Greuther Fürth announced on July 5 2026 that their veteran striker Branimir Hrgota is leaving. The 30‑year‑old Croatian moves to FC St. Pauli, a club looking for firepower in the 2. Bundesliga. The deal was disclosed early afternoon and marks the first major business of the off‑season for both sides.

Why does it matter for Greuther Fürth?

Losing Hrgota hits an attack that has scored 49 goals while the defence has conceded 68 – a -19 goal difference. Without the seasoned scorer, coach Christian Preußer must reshuffle his options, as the team currently sits 16th with 37 points (10 wins, 7 draws, 17 losses). Recent form is mixed: three wins, no draws and two defeats in the last five games (WLWWL, the most recent being a 2‑0 win over Rot‑Weiß Essen on May 26 2026).

How does St. Pauli respond?

FC St. Pauli signed Hrgota on a two‑year contract, viewing him as the answer to their own scoring woes. The club, sitting mid‑table, hopes the Croat brings experience from over 200 Bundesliga appearances. According to club chief Karl‑Heinz Riedle, the transfer should instantly lift the attack, though no transfer fee was disclosed.

What does this mean for the future?

Greuther Fürth now needs a replacement. Rumours of interest from smaller 3. Liga sides are circulating, but an immediate domestic replacement remains uncertain. The coach may instead rely on young talents from the academy to fill the gap. Either way, the upcoming season will test whether the fans can still back a side fighting relegation without Hrgota.

Current situation at a glance

The club’s latest result came on May 26 2026 with a 2‑0 home win against Rot‑Weiß Essen, raising the point total to 37. Despite that victory the record stays at 10 wins, 7 draws and 17 losses, leaving them 33 points behind league leaders FC Schalke 04. The next fixtures will reveal if the offensive deficit can be solved without Hrgota.