Rapid's deadline‑day mis‑steps leave midfield hole unfilled

Rapid face a glaring void in defensive midfield after the unexpected sale of Romeo Amane, a move that left coach Johannes Hoff Thorup scrambling for a replacement on deadline day, only to see the targeted signing of Jonathan Varane collapse and no new midfielder arrive before the window shut.

Midfield void after Amane’s sale

Sportchef Katzer (l.) und Trainer Hoff Thorup highlighted the scale of activity across the league. "123 Neuzugänge wurden in diesem Transfersommer bei der Bundesliga angemeldet. Also im Schnitt über zehn pro Erstligist, bei Salzburg sind es sogar 17 Neue. Letzter dieser Liste ist Rapid, mit zwei Neuen." The two arrivals – Tonni Adamsen and the €100,000‑back‑bought Nico Bajlicz – were described as absolute Wunschspieler of Trainer Johannes Hoff Thorup and have already become Verstärkungen.

In the spring, Hoff Thorup told KURIER: “Das defensive Mittelfeld ist eine Schlüsselposition, wir haben eine Liste mit guten Kandidaten zusammengestellt.” He had warned that the sale of Romeo Amane would require an external replacement, a warning that proved prescient after the 1‑5 loss in Salzburg left the side without a recognised defensive midfielder.

The transfer fee for the 23‑year‑old Amane can rise to €6.5 million with bonuses, but the fixed component is only €5 million. An additional €5 million arrived from the sell‑on clause on Mamadou Sangare’s move to Brentford from Lens, a sum that became crucial after the club’s national deficit grew following the European cup exit against Hearts.

Failed targets and the way forward

Rapid had planned to secure a physically strong defensive midfielder on loan with an option to buy, targeting the €2.5 million profile of Martin Ndzie, who is currently out with a long‑term injury. With the window closing, three candidates remained in contention, but Hakim Sahabo, who moved to AEK Athens eight months ago, had logged only five minutes of play and would have needed a lengthy adaptation period.

The clear Wunschspieler for Thorup was 25‑year‑old Jonathan Varane from Queens Park Rangers, a former teammate from his Norwich days. After 82 appearances, Varane was described as a Joker at the second‑division side and was prepared to relocate from London to Vienna, but the deal collapsed, leaving the headline “Jonathan Varane – not at Rapid.”

Sportchef Markus Katzer cited the club’s tight financial scope, while the board clarified that no potential signing was rejected for monetary reasons. Thorup rejected contract‑less replacements, stating, “I don’t want players, so we have one more on the bench.” Instead, the club will promote 19‑year‑old Lorenz Szladits from Rapid II, although he is still regaining form after an ankle injury.

From 1 October, former sportchef Wolfgang Fiala will assume the role of Technical Director. Within the boardroom, Katzer’s handling of the transfer finish is being debated, with opinions ranging from “Good that we didn’t force anyone” to “There was a lot of bad luck” and “We had enough time, we just gambled too high.” Katzer himself is now focused on necessary contract extensions, hoping to generate new plus points for the club.