Augsburg’s Yusuf Kabadayi Heads to Rijeka for 2026/27 Loan
Augsburg has announced that 22-year-old winger Yusuf Kabadayi will play the 2026/27 season on loan at Croatian top-tier club HNK Rijeka. The Bundesliga team revealed the transfer on Sunday, with both clubs opting not to release further details about the deal.
This latest arrangement follows Kabadayi’s recent year abroad, having spent last season on loan with Turkish Süper Lig club Gaziantep FK. During that tenure, he made 23 competitive appearances and scored one goal. Augsburg aims for another season of senior football to facilitate the development of the Munich-native talent.
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With the Croatian season already in progress, Kabadayi can join Rijeka immediately, avoiding additional downtime before engaging in competitive matches.
Kabadayi remains under contract with Augsburg until June 2028.
Yusuf Kabadayi Embarks on Second Consecutive Loan
Get German Football News covered Kabadayi’s previous loan to Gaziantep last September. This followed a challenging first year at Augsburg. The club signed Kabadayi from Bayern Munich for about €1 million in the summer of 2024 after he developed through Bayern’s academy system.
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Kabadayi initially showcased his potential as a dynamic attacking player, scoring his first Bundesliga goal after coming off the bench against FC St. Pauli in September 2024, along with providing an assist in Augsburg’s initial DFB-Pokal match against Viktoria Berlin.
However, his progress was interrupted by a severe knee injury at the end of the calendar year, requiring surgery and limiting him to just five Bundesliga appearances as a substitute during the 2024/25 season.
Kabadayi Had a Place in Augsburg’s Preseason Plans
During Augsburg’s preseason in 2025, Kabadayi once again vied for an attacking position. According to GGFN in their 2025/26 Augsburg tactical preview, he was among several players considered for more minutes under then-coach Sandro Wagner.
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His speed and aggressive attacking style positioned him as an alternative option on the wing, particularly given ongoing questions regarding other forwards in Augsburg’s lineup. Nevertheless, securing consistent Bundesliga playing time remained elusive.
Augsburg ultimately concluded that another loan was necessary to restore Kabadayi’s previously lost match rhythm following his injury. Gaziantep offered a fitting opportunity.
Benni Weber Comments on Kabadayi’s Loan to Rijeka
“The move to Rijeka provides Yusi the chance to gain further playing experience,” stated Augsburg sporting director Benni Weber. “As the Croatian season is already underway, he can participate in competitive matches right away. We wish him every success in the coming season.”
Augsburg have confirmed that 22-year-old winger Yusuf Kabadayi will spend the 2026/27 campaign on loan with Croatian top-flight side HNK Rijeka. The Bundesliga club announced the move on Sunday. The two clubs have agreed not to disclose any further details concerning the transfer.
The latest move comes immediately after another year abroad for the former Bayern Munich academy talent. Kabadayi spent last season on loan with Turkish Süper Lig outfit Gaziantep FK, making 23 competitive appearances and scoring once. Augsburg now hope another campaign with regular senior football can aid the Munich native’s development.
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The Croatian season is already underway, meaning Kabadayi should be able to enter competitive action with Rijeka immediately rather than spending another extended period waiting for meaningful minutes.
Kabadayi remains under contract with Augsburg through June 2028.
Yusuf Kabadayi embarks upon second successive loan
Get German Football News covered Kabadayi’s previous loan to Gaziantep last September. That move came after a difficult first year in Augsburg. FCA signed Kabadayi from Bayern Munich for approximately €1m in the summer of 2024 after the Germany youth international progressed through Bayern’s academy system.
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He initially demonstrated promise as an energetic attacking option. Kabadayi scored his maiden Bundesliga goal after coming off the bench against FC St. Pauli in September 2024 and also registered an assist in Augsburg’s opening DFB-Pokal fixture against Viktoria Berlin.
His momentum was halted by a serious knee injury towards the end of the calendar year. The injury required surgery and ultimately restricted Kabadayi to just five Bundesliga substitute appearances during the 2024/25 campaign.
Kabadayi once featured in Sandro Wagner’s Augsburg plans
During Augsburg’s 2025 preseason, Kabadayi was once again competing for an attacking role. In GGFN‘s 2025/26 Augsburg tactical preview, the winger emerged as one of several candidates for increased minutes under then-head coach Sandro Wagner.
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Kabadayi’s pace and direct attacking qualities made him a potential alternative on the flank, particularly amid questions surrounding other members of Augsburg’s attacking corps. Regular Bundesliga football nevertheless remained difficult to secure.
Augsburg ultimately decided that another move represented the better path towards restoring the consistent match rhythm Kabadayi had lost following his injury. Gaziantep offered that opportunity.
Benni Weber on Kabadayi’s Rijeka loan
“The move to Rijeka gives Yusi the opportunity to collect further playing experience,” Augsburg sporting director Benni Weber said. “As the season in Croatia has already begun, he can enter competitive action directly. We wish him every success for the coming period.”
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