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Thomas Murg has made the leap abroad. The 25-year-old midfielder signed a four-year contract with Greek club Paok Saloniki and thus lost the record champion Rapid shortly before the end of the transfer period on Monday at midnight. At the same time, Hütteldorfer announced the engagement of Marcel Ritzmaier. The 27-year-old midfielder was on loan for a year from Barnsley, an English second division club.
“It was an express wish of the player that he wanted to join Paok. We have always emphasized that we are ready to do so when it is convenient for all parties,” said Rapids Athletic Director Zoran Barisic. But he did not want to talk about an “emergency sale” due to the financial bottleneck due to the Corona crisis. “We didn’t have to act, it worked for us. In these times it is important to do smart things, not to take risks that you may later regret,” said the 50-year-old. For Murg, who is now reunited with former Rapid captain Stefan Schwab, who also emigrated in the summer, not only sporting reasons should have played a role. “It’s definitely the case that Paok pays higher wages than we do,” Barisic explained on Sky Talk.
“It was a wonderful time”
Murg moved to Rapid in the spring of 2016, where he played 163 competitive matches in which he scored 35 goals. The Viennese lose an all-time player who came in from the better side with a goal and a great performance in a 3-0 home win against LASK on Sunday in Rapid’s last appearance. “It was a wonderful time at SK Rapid with many wonderful years, which gave me many unforgettable moments as part of the team. Now I have decided to take a step in a new direction, which I am convinced that my great experience as a footballer will enrich. ”Murg quoted in a Rapid broadcast.
His contract with Rapid would have lasted another two years, so the Greeks had to put some money on the table. According to Greek media reports, the Hütteldorfer should raise around two million euros. As usual, it was officially agreed not to disclose the transfer fee. Murg does not have to do without a Europa League appearance, instead of playing Rapid against Arsenal, Molde and Dundalk, he now faces PSV Eindhoven, Granada and Omonia Nicosia. If both clubs dominate the group stage, there may be a sports meeting with Rapid in spring 2021.
Ritzmaier: “A great honor”
Ritzmaier can play in Murg’s position, but also in the center, making him more or less a substitute for Rapid’s two lost midfield supports. He knows the league well, having been involved with the WAC from the summer of 2018 to January 2020 before ending up in Barnsley with Salzburg coach Gerhard Struber. In England, the Styrian shouldn’t have been happy after 22 competitive appearances. “It is a great honor for me to be able to wear the green and white jersey for next season. The anticipation for the upcoming tasks, as well as for the team, the fans and the entire club is enormous,” said Ritzmaier.
Rapid bets that the long-time attacking player in the Netherlands, including PSV Eindhoven, needs little time to get used to. “He is a very interesting player who has enjoyed a very good education and is universally applicable. We expect a lot from him and hope that he can help our game from the beginning,” Barisic said. He could make his debut on October 17 in the 2nd round of the ÖFB Cup in a duel with 1st Wiener Neustädter SC. (apa)
