Such campaigns are also unpopular in Hütteldorf, but Aiwu is still bought. The new number 4 signed a contract until 2024.
The agreement on the transfer should be a year before Aiwu’s contract expires at 750,000 euros.
Multiple reasons to buy
In addition to the huge potential of the 20-year-old, there were two reasons for the purchase: Christopher Dibon’s comeback is not going as planned and Aiwu can also (as in the U-21 national team) play sixes, as well as right defender.
Ballo instead of Horvath?
The transfer for Sascha Horvath with his release clause of 400,000 euros at Hartberg would not have been a problem. But Rapid, as it once did with Gruber and Balic, lost out to LASK. The 25-year-old signed in Linz.
The Viennese should have alternatives ready and want to present another offensive player at the last minute – a legionnaire’s place is still available because all regular players are allowed to stay.
It should amount to a loan from Thierno Ballo. The Chelsea talent is currently in the U-21 camp with Aiwu, but not a real wing.
Coach Didi Kühbauer would still be satisfied: Keeping the squad and starting the European Cup autumn with two reinforcements – nothing more was to be expected after the free transfers from Grüll and Ljubicic.
