Welcome Back Philipp Wydra

In summer 2019 the then 16-year-old Philipp Wydra left the SK Rapid Academy to move to Cologne, where his offensive talents immediately began to shine through in his first season. In the U-17s at FC Köln, he managed a remarkable 17 goals and 19 assists in just 16 matches. The versatile left-footer showed himself as a good assist provider, and something of an enforcer. Three and a half years later, the now 22-time ÖFB youth international returns to Austria’s record champions with a lot of new input and experience abroad under his belt, putting pen to paper on a deal until 2026.

In total Philipp Wydra made 21 appearances for FC Köln’s second team across the last two seasons. The younger brother of ex-Rapid player Dominik Wydra (currently at ASV Siegendorf) was unfortunate with injury issues this season. He missed the pre-season preparations with the “Billy Goats” after a meniscus injury, however, the 20-year-old has been fit again since October. In the first part of the season Wydra managed six appearances and one goal in Germany’s Western Regional League. Aside from that, he made his debut in Werner Gregoritsch’s Austria U-21 team in a 1-1 draw against Turkey.

Managing Director of SK Rapid Steffen Hofmann is enthusiastic about the transfer: "We have known Philipp for a very long time, as he completed a large part of his training in the youth academy of SK Rapid. He is one of those players whose departure abroad was painful for me. That was an extreme pity, but we are all the happier to have him back here with us. Especially in the offense, he has enormous potential, an excellent left foot, strengths in one-on-ones and finishing."

Newcomer Wydra is ready to get going: "I've brought a lot of experience with me from Cologne and have developed well. Now I'm really looking forward to coming back home and I can't wait to start training. I still know some players of the same age from my time in the youth program and the academy, so it will be a nice reunion."