What happened?

Leon Klassen (26) has left Darmstadt 98 permanently and joined Grazer AK. The transfer was officially announced on July 9 2026. Klassen, who was on loan in Austria during the second half of the season, will not return to the Lilies.

Why did he leave Darmstadt?

The Danish‑German centre‑back arrived from Lyngby BK in the summer of 2025 but never secured a regular spot. He saw limited minutes in his first season, prompting a loan move to Austria in January 2026. His performances were solid, yet a return to Darmstadt was never on the agenda.

How does this affect the team?

Darmstadt 98 now has to cope without Klassen while the defence is already being reshaped. Coach Dirk Schuster has said that young prospects from the U23 squad will receive more responsibility. At the same time, the club’s recruitment department will look for a replacement to fill the defensive gap.

What does this mean for Grazer AK?

Grazer AK gains an experienced defender who has already played in Germany’s 2. Bundesliga. The signing is viewed as a boost for their back line, especially as the club battles for promotion this season. Klassen is expected to slot straight into the starting eleven.

Darmstadt 98 currently sits 5th in the 2. Bundesliga with 52 points, 13 wins, 13 draws and 8 losses from 34 games; recent form is LDLDL. The side has scored 57 goals and conceded 45, a +12 goal difference, yet remains 18 points behind leaders FC Schalke 04.

Klassen’s departure adds another chapter to a season full of transfer rumours. While the Lilies aim to stabilise their defence, Grazer AK hopes the new arrival will strengthen their push for promotion.