Interesting details have emerged in Birmingham City’s acquisition of Austrian defender Christoph Klarer from SV Darmstadt 98.
The move was finalized in August, and while initial reports suggested a fee of around €4.15 million, recent German sources have clarified that the transfer cost was not quite that high. The revelation comes as a 10% sell-on fee for Klarer’s former club, Fortuna Düsseldorf, emerges – reports from Rheinische Post has suggested that amounts to around €300,000. While there could be the potential for the fee to increase to the originally reported figure with certain add-ons, for now, the base amount remains at €3 million, €1.15 million less than originally reported.
For Darmstadt, the deal represents a good bit of business. The club had paid approximately €2 million for Klarer just a year prior, meaning even with the sell-on percentage going to Düsseldorf, they still pocket a €700,000 profit. Darmstadt, currently competing in the 2. Bundesliga, will benefit from this financial boost as they aim to re-establish themselves in the German top flight.
Since joining Birmingham City, Klarer has quickly proven his worth. Having signed a contract that keeps him at the club until 2027, the 23-year-old has already made eight appearances, scoring one goal and providing an assist. More impressively, Birmingham have won every league match in which Klarer has featured, highlighting his immediate impact on the side. His contributions in defence have been instrumental to the team’s solid start to the season.
Klarer’s footballing journey began in Austria with Rapid Wien before he moved to England to join Southampton’s academy in 2016. While at Southampton, he was a regular for the U18 and U23 squads but was unable to break into the senior team. In 2020, he moved to Fortuna Düsseldorf in Germany, where he established himself as a key player, making 74 appearances and scoring five goals over the course of two seasons. After a single season with Darmstadt, he earned his move to Birmingham City.
His blend of defensive solidity and the ability to contribute offensively from set pieces has made him an invaluable asset for Birmingham, and the club’s decision to lock him into a long-term deal until 2027 gives them a solid foundation for the future. With his experience across multiple European leagues and his determination to succeed in English football, Klarer is seen as a crucial component of Birmingham’s long-term plans.
Writer’s View
Birmingham City’s acquisition of Christoph Klarer looks like a shrewd piece of business. For a relatively modest fee, the club has secured a talented defender who has already had a considerable impact on their performances. Klarer’s age and contract length also make him an excellent long-term investment for the Blues, giving them stability in a position that is often hard to fill consistently.
The Austrian’s early performances have been impressive, and if he continues to develop and adapt to the demands of the Championship, he could become a key figure for Birmingham. His strong start and Birmingham’s positive results with him in the lineup suggest that the club has made a smart move, and his influence will be vital as they aim for success in the season ahead.
