First team Trainer Peter Schöttel can now include one of Austrian football's brightest young prospects in his plans for the spring assault on the Bundesliga title. 18 year old Marcel Sabitzer has moved to Hütteldorf until summer 2016 after Rapid agreed terms with both the player and former club Admira. Details of the transfer fee have not been disclosed. Despite his tender years, Marcel already has a wealth of playing experience behind him. The man from Styria made his debut in the first division and got a first taste of top flight action as he joined Admira in the Bundesliga following their promotion. Marcel went on to make 37 appearances, scoring 8 goals as Admira sealed a place in the Europa League qualifying rounds, in which he appeared 4 times. He has also already stepped into the international arena after making his Austria debut against Romania in Innsbruck, coming on as a sub for future teammate Guido Burgstaller. He was also in the squad for the game against Turkey. Born in 1994, Marcel Sabitzer appeared four times for the Austrian U-21's during autumn, in addition to a further 23 appearances for the national side at junior level (U16: 5 Games/1 Goal U17: 11/4 U18: 2/0 U19: 1/1 U21: 4/1). Trainer Peter Schöttel was delighted with Rapid's latest addition: "Marcel Sabitzer is an adaptable offensive footballer with huge potential", said Schöttel during the teams return to training in the Ernst Happel Stadium following the festive period. "Its fantastic that we have managed to sign another young Austrian talent who fits in perfectly with the direction we're taking the team in", added Sporting Director Helmut Schulte in agreement with Schöttel. Marcel Sabitzer himself is also extremely excited and looking forward to pulling on the famous Green & White of Rapid: "I'm over the moon that it has all worked out and I'm ready to give everything for my new team. For me it's fulfilling a childhood dream, but I must also convey my genuine gratitude to Admira for everything over the past years."(gw)
16.01.2013