Simon Straudi, who became a free agent after his contract with Austria expired amid the club's financial issues and relegation to the 2. Liga, has signed for Energie Cottbus. Before the deal was finalized, Straudi had been training with the team, a situation which head coach Claus-Dieter Wollitz stated was deliberately not made public. Wollitz explained that the club wanted to add depth on the right defensive wing and that they reached an agreement quickly after Straudi was convincing in training. Squad planner Maniyel Nergiz noted that Straudi is an established player the club had been monitoring for some time and that his trial period reinforced their opinion that he was a good fit. Straudi is the first Italian to play for Energie Cottbus, and the duration of his contract was not disclosed.