FC Augsburg sign AZ Alkmaar's Gouweleeuw

German football club Augsburg on Saturday bolstered their defence with the signing of AZ Alkmaar's centre back Jeffrey Gouweleeuw.

Augsburg reacted to the injury of defender Jan-Ingwer Callsen-Bracker, who suffered a fracture of his left calf bone in the Europa League encounter against Partizan, as Dutch defender Gouweleeuw reinforces the 'Fuggerstaedter' for the second half of the Bundesliga season, reports Xinhua.

Augsburg and Alkmaar agreed to keep silent over contract details such as period of validity and transfer fee.

"Jeffrey Gouweleeuw was Alkmaar's captain and is, despite his young age, already an experienced player. We are therefore pleased that the transfer worked out and that he will wear Augsburg's jersey from now on," sporting director Stefan Reuter said.

The 24-year-old joined from 'AZ' where he scored four goals in 87 appearances in the space of three years. He earned 150 caps in Dutch league Eredivisie.

"It is great to be part of this team. I am also looking forward to the Bundesliga which will be a great experience for me," Augsburg's new arrival said.

The Dutchman received jersey No.6 and is on his way to meet his new teammates, who are in training camp in Estepona, Spain. His new club encounter third-placed Berlin at the 18th round of Bundesliga on January 23.