Attacker Marcel Sabitzer has brought to an end his 18 month stay in Vienna by signing for German club Red Bull Leipzig. Sabitzer will spend next season on loan in Salzburg, having been immediately farmed out by his parent club. As one player leaves the capital heading westwards, another has elected to go in the opposite direction. We're delighted that we have concluded successful negotiations with Red Bull Salzburg for the permanent registration of central defender Christopher Dibon for an undisclosed fee. Having impressed during his loan spell last season, Christopher has signed a contract tying him to Rapid until Summer 2017.Sporting Director Andreas Müller: "Following intensive talks with our counterparts from Red Bull we've found a solution that is satisfactory for all parties involved. Due to the well documented contractual situation with Marcel Sabitzer, we were unable to do anything about his stated desire to leave the club. Despite that his time at Rapid has been a success and he scored some important goals for us during the past Spring. In January 2013 it would have proved impossible to secure his services under different circumstances. We wish him every success in the future and must say that we're delighted to have tied Christopher Dibon to the club long term. Away from the pitch he's become a leader and with his character and footballing capabilities he's going to be an important figure in our future sides."Marcel Sabitzer made a total of 57 appearances in Green & White scoring 12 goals. The highlight was without question the winner away to Austria in the Vienna Derby on 6th April. The 20 year old Styrian born Forward had a knack of grabbing important goals: his 6 Bundesliga strikes from the past season came in games that ended in victory for Rapid. In the Europa League he netted in the 3:0 away victory against Dila Gori, while he popped up with a header to earn a 1:1 draw in Belgium against KRC Genk. Sabitzer had previously made 37 Bundesliga appearances for Admira Wacker, scoring 9 times.Christopher Dibon commits to long term Hütteldorf stayBefore his move to Red Bull Salzburg, 23 year old Christopher Dibon was already donning the captain's armband for Admira. Despite injury problems last season Dibon made 37 competitive appearances for Rapid during his loan spell with the club. Currently on national boss Marcel Koller's call up list, Christopher has made the permanent switch to Vienna from Salzburg, where he was under contract until 2015. The Lower Austrian centre back, who was Trainer Zoki Barisic's top priority for this Summer's transfer dealings, has signed a 3 year contract, tying him to Rapid until Summer 2017. Giving his reaction to the transfer Christopher said: "I've made it absolutely clear in the past months that I wanted without question to remain a part of this team. Now that an agreement has been reached between the clubs I can look forward to the start of pre-season training. I'm convinced we're going to be a force in the coming season and in the not too distant future I want to be celebrating titles with Rapid and its huge fan base."Despite his tender age, Dibon has already made 179 competitive appearances in his career for ASK Schwadorf, Admira Wacker, RB Salzburg and finally Rapid. So far he's made a solitary appearance for Austria, scoring a goal on his debut. He has also captained his country at u-21 level, having made his debut aged just 18.
02.06.2014