Christoph Klarer

Christoph Klarer (born 14 June 2000) is an Austrian professional footballer who plays as a centre back for club Birmingham City, whom he captains.

Career Southampton On 8 July 2016, Southampton confirmed that they had signed Klarer on a professional contract from Rapid Wien. Klarer started for the club's U18 squad. In April 2019, he signed a new contract until the summer 2021.

On 7 January 2020, Klarer joined Austrian club SKN St. Pölten on loan for the 2019–20 season. In February, he made his debut in the match against Admira Wacker Mödling.

Fortuna Düsseldorf On 5 October 2020, Klarer moved into German football with Fortuna Düsseldorf, newly relegated from the Bundesliga, on a contract until 30 June 2024.

Darmstadt 98 On 18 July 2023, Klarer signed a four-year contract with newly promoted Bundesliga club Darmstadt 98. Darmstadt were relegated again after one season.

Birmingham City On 20 July 2024, a year after joining Darmstadt 98, Klarer returned to English football on a three-year contract with EFL League One club Birmingham City. He was an unused substitute for the opening match of the league season, and made an "extremely comfortable" debut in the starting eleven for the next fixture, a 1–0 away to Charlton Athletic on 13 August. His performances in Birmingham's 2024–25 promotion season earned him a place in the PFA League One Team of the Year. The club earned triple-digit points and Klarer was one of their seven members to be selected.

Career statistics

Honours Birmingham City EFL League One: 2024–25 EFL Trophy runner-up: 2024–25

Individual EFL League One Team of the Season: 2024–25 PFA Team of the Year: 2024–25 League One