Vienna boss rules out January Bundesliga move for Grüll
Speaking to Austrian daily "Kurier", Rapid Wien manager Markus Katzer rejected the notion that winger Marco Grüll would be allowed to depart for Germany during the current January transfer window.
Amid a hail of rumors linking him with a move to the Bundesliga this winter, Austrian attacker Marco Grüll is apparently staying put. Rapid Wien Head-of-Sport Markus Katzer - speaking on the matter with Viennese Daily newspaper "Kurier" - insisted that his club had no intention of selling the 25-year-old before the current January transfer window closes. This despite the fact that the Austrian capital-city side risk losing Grüll on a free transfer after his current contract expires.
Grüll was reportedly being courted by Bundesliga sides FSV Mainz and 1. FC Union Berlin. After the south German club dropped out of the race due to the high costs associated with the winger, Union were thought to be in pole-position to acquire him. Katzer's statement seemed to nevertheless leave no room for doubt about the club's intentions insofar as the player is concerned. The executive specifically addressed the financial angle and remained unequivocal.
"Grüll will not be sold. Period," Katzer told the newspaper, "That's what we discussed with Marco. Sporting success comes before financial success. We need him and know that he will perform as a professional until the end of his contract."