FC St. Pauli signs Branimir Hrgota and outlines squad plans

Swedish forward Branimir Hrgota, 33, has joined FC St. Pauli on a free transfer after his contract with Greuther Fürth expired on 30 June. Hrgota, who previously played for Borussia Mönchengladbach and Eintracht Frankfurt, has appeared in 355 German professional matches (138 in the Bundesliga), scoring 87 goals and providing 48 assists, and has three caps for Sweden. Coach Marcel Rapp described him as a clever player who finds space, works well under pressure and brings leadership.

In parallel, the club’s squad planning for the 2026‑27 2. Bundesliga season remains in flux. So far, St. Pauli has added midfield recruit Sam Klein from Brisbane Roar and defender Marcus Mathisen from 1. FC Magdeburg. The roster now consists of 24 senior players plus several youth prospects, but the future of eight squad members is still undecided, and goalkeeper depth is limited to Ben Voll and Simon Spari. Rapp’s tactical approach continues the flexible 3‑4‑2‑1/3‑4‑1‑2/3‑4‑3 formations used by his predecessor, while the ongoing World Cup has slowed the usual summer transfer activity.