The future of Yusuf Demir has been decided. The 18-year-old is returning to Rapid after six months at FC Barcelona.
The red-white-red soccer talent was awarded to the Catalans for one year in the summer of 2021. Barca also secured a € 10m purchase commitment that would take effect the 18-year-old’s 10th outing. But this sum was too expensive for the financially troubled club. Demir only played nine games for the “Blaugrana” was no longer in the squad recently.
Therefore, the Hütteldorfer brought their player back to Vienna. The loan deal with the Catalans was terminated, at the same time Demir signed a contract extension until summer 2024.
Demir extends at Rapid
“There were extremely intensive discussions with and between many participants, but now I am extremely happy that we have come up with a very good solution for everyone,” said sports director Zoran Barisic. Demir will “probably join the team when he arrives at the training camp in Turkey. He will not be part of today’s friendly against Lafnitz and Vorwärts Steyr,” said the green and white sports board.
Head coach Ferdinand Feldhofer was also enthusiastic about the return of the ÖFB team player. “It is very nice that with Yusuf Demir we are getting a highly talented player into our ranks who has already played international matches and was able to gain experience in the Champions League. If he can tap his potential, he will be a huge reinforcement for us”, said the rapid coach.
Demir was taciturn in a first statement. “The anticipation is very high, now I’m back at my club again,” said the 18-year-old. So far, Demir has played 38 competitive games for the Hütteldorfer.
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