Personnel planning is in full swing at Rapid
Rapid's season extends until June 1st due to participation in the European Cup play-off of the Football Bundesliga, but personnel planning for the upcoming season is already in full swing. The new coach - Peter Stöger is considered the favorite - may be announced at the beginning of next week, and in terms of players, Managing Director of Sport Markus Katzer wants to make decisive moves as quickly as possible.
Good Start Last Year
Katzer is taking cues from last year when he had practically completed assembling the squad at the start of preparations. Rapid had a good start back then, was at the top of the Bundesliga for a long time, and also performed well in the European Cup qualification and the Conference League group stage, before a downturn followed in late autumn.
As it stands, sports motor tests for Rapid players are scheduled for June 21st and 22nd, with the first pitch session likely on June 23rd. Katzer aims to have the transfer activities largely completed by this time. "Last year we were early, which had positive effects, both in the championship and internationally," said the Viennese and emphasized: "We are very well prepared for this transfer period and know the advantages of acting early."
Beljo to Stay at Rapid?
Roman Kerschbaum and Guido Burgstaller will definitely leave Rapid. The latter was the most reliable goal scorer for the Hütteldorfers in recent years, so finding a goal-getter is a priority for Katzer. The personnel situation in the attack is complicated by the fact that the loan contracts of Dion Beljo and Ercan Kara expire at the end of the season.
Beljo belongs to FC Augsburg, and according to media reports, Rapid has a purchase option of eight million euros. Katzer did not want to confirm this amount but made it clear that Beljo cannot be signed under the current conditions. Nevertheless, the Croatian's stay with the Hütteldorfers is not ruled out. "It could be beneficial for him to stay with us for another season," said the sports director. Kara's future with Green-White is also open, as the former ÖFB international is currently set to return to Samsunspor. Mamadou Sangare and Serge-Philippe Raux-Yao are considered sale candidates at Rapid.
(APA/Red)
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