Rapid Vienna before millions of decision: Arnautovic or Kara?

Rapid Vienna before millions of decision: Arnautovic or Kara?

Hütteldorf, Österreich - in Vienna is bubbling the rumor mill, while Rapid Vienna under sports director Markus Katzer is on the squad for the coming season 2025/26. A hotly discussed topic is Marko Arnautovic's potential transfer, for which the negotiations continue. A crucial argument in these conversations is whether Rapid can afford the salary of around three million euros gross per year. Katzer and his team hope to be able to fund the financing through additional revenue and additional sponsors.

rapid had to end the expired Bundesliga season with a fifth place and now has the goal of qualifying for the Conference League. In the event of a transfer, Arnautovic could not only have a play guarantee as long as he is fit, but also set decisive impulses in the team due to his experience. A little comparable to the spectacular change from Lionel Messi to Barcelona could be that the possible income exceeds by changing expenses. Last season Rapid scored over ten million euros gross from the European Cup.

newcomer Ercan Kara

The transfer activities of Rapid, however, have another facet: Ercan Kara was presented as the fourth fixed new commitment. The striker, who has had a moving career, signed a contract until 2027 on July 1, 2025 and will bear the number 9 in the future. Sports chief Katzer is enthusiastic about Kara's potential and his operational readiness. Originally Kara came to Rapid as a cader supplement, but under coach Kühbauer showed what he was made of.

After a move to Orlando City and another to Samsunspor, where he was unhappy, he decided to return despite a waiver of around one million euros net. Rapid and Samsunspor agreed on a transfer of around 400,000 euros, which makes the change attractive for both sides, especially through Kara's emotional bond with rapid.

financing by sponsors

With regard to the financing, Rapid looks very promising. Compared to other Bundesliga clubs, higher income from sponsoring deals can also help Rapid to manage larger salaries. For example, VfL Wolfsburg receives an incredible 70 million euros a year from its sponsor Volkswagen, while Bayern Munich gets through Telekom with 45 million euros. Rapid could go similar paths through skillful negotiations and targeted search for sponsorship to secure the financial means for Arnautovic and other players.

The dynamics around the transfer markets, the developments in Rapid and the return of stars such as Thierry Gale, who ended his loan in Poland prematurely, ensure that there is no lack of exciting stories in the Viennese football scene. The next few weeks will show whether Rapid will actually fulfill the dream of Arnautovic and the squad will receive the necessary finishing touches for the challenges in the coming season.