Rapid Vienna in the storm dilemma: Will Arnautovic come back?

Rapid Vienna in the storm dilemma: Will Arnautovic come back?

SK Rapid Wien has started preparing for the new season and sees it as its responsibility to sign a new striker. Coach Peter Stöger made it clear that fifth place could not be the goal last season and is striving to improve performance. In addition to Marko Arnautovic, the return of Ercan Kara is also in focus, while the possibility of player departures also exists. Laola1 reports that, in addition to Arnautovic, Rapid is also examining alternative options for the offensive.

Led by Stöger, the first week of training was already used to promote young talent and bring many of the loaned players back into the team. Rapid is urgently looking for reinforcements, especially in attack, after Guido Burgstaller ended his career. Loans for players like Dion Beljo and Ercan Kara have now expired. The squad is still incomplete and solutions urgently need to be found before the first Bundesliga match on the first weekend in August.

Striker search and transfers

The new additions have so far been rather sparse. Rapid have signed Jannes Horn and Claude Mbuyi, with the latter considered the top scorer in the second division. Stöger emphasizes that the club also wants to develop a stronger presence on the offensive. However, the coach recognizes the difficulties in realizing any transfers, especially in the case of Arnautovic, who has many options at other clubs. Loud SN It is a challenge for Rapid to attract the experienced player using only financial means.

Another aspect is the ongoing negotiations about a possible loan from Benjamin Böckle to WSG Tirol. The 23-year-old left-back only came to Vienna from Fortuna Düsseldorf in 2024 for a transfer fee of 200,000 euros. Last season he played 13 competitive games and provided five assists, and his contract runs until 2027.

Transfer record in the Bundesliga

The transfer market is characterized by numerous changes this season. In total there were 138 departures with transfer proceeds of 395,100,000 euros, while the additions were 176 players and caused expenditure of 341,750,000 euros. The overall balance of the competition shows an increase of 53,350,000 euros. Transfer market documents that the average age of newcomers is 21.4 years, which underlines the clubs' strategy to promote young talent.

With a clear strategy and a focus on improving performance, Rapid is working on writing the next chapter in the club. The challenges are numerous, but the anticipation of the coming season and the opportunity to fight fiercely for the title continue to drive the team forward.