Fulham are yet to see anything of new signing David Affengruber following his deadline day arrival from Elche.
But, rest assured, he comes highly recommended. In fact, even the man signed to replace him has good things to say about the 25-year-old.
That man is Argentine centre-back Kevin Lomónaco. Elche unveiled him as their latest signing this week, filling the hole left behind by Affengruber. Diario Alicante provide his take on the Fulham man from that presentation.
Big shoes to fill
He’s excited to get started, even if the attention will be on him from the outset to see just how well he can step into the Austrian’s shoes. Indeed, he was asked about that during his presentation.
The Argentine described it as an “honour and a pleasure” to be replacing Affengruber at the Spanish club. He described the Fulham man as a historic figure but insisted he did not think that meant added pressure for him personally. Indeed, he insists he didn’t hesitate to make the move.
“I didn’t hesitate because I know what the club is all about, and coming here was a dream for me,” he said.
“If Elche does well, we can all aspire to achieve our personal dreams.”
Hard to replace Affengruber
Replacing David Affengruber will be no easy feat, though. The Austrian joined Elche on a free transfer from Sturm Graz in 2024 and quickly established himself as a key player at the club.
He only managed 84 appearances for them but was seen as the defensive cornerstone of the club’s recent golden run.
He was the anchor of the team which secured promotion back to La Liga in his first season at the club. Then he backed that up in the 2025/26 campaign. Lat season saw him making 36 appearances in total as they secured their survival in Spain’s top flight.
The defender was also, statistically, one of the most effective centre-backs in Spanish football during his time there. He ranked at the very top of the league for interceptions and ranked in the top 10% for defensive recoveries, successful tackles and duels won.
Those are the numbers that have led to his move to Fulham. And now they’re the numbers that Lomónaco will have to replace.
