Austria Vienna is giving up its current regular goalkeeper Christian Früchtl to US Lecce in the Italian Serie A. In response to the departure of the goalkeeper, who moved to Austria from Bayern Munich on a free transfer two years ago, Samuel Sahin-Radlinger is returning from Almere City in the Netherlands, where the goalkeeper was loaned by Austria a year ago.
Sporting director Manuel Ortlechner was pleased that “the project” with Früchtl had worked and that he would now play in one of the top five leagues. “We were prepared for the departure,” he said, referring to the 31-year-old Sahin-Radlinger, whose contract runs until summer 2026. “I watched almost every Austria match last season and can hardly wait to get to know the team and give it our all for the club,” said Sahin-Radlinger. As he said goodbye, Früchtl spoke of “two very nice and instructive years at Austria.”
Offensive powerhouse Cristiano Robert do Amaral was signed on loan. The 22-year-old Brazilian comes from his home country, goes by the name Cristiano, and his contract runs for one year with an option to buy. His participation in Tuesday’s training under new coach Stephan Helm was planned. “Cristiano has made a good impression in training at our partner club SV Stripfing in recent months,” said Ortlechner. “We are convinced that he has good qualities and can help us in the first team. He is a flexible offensive player with strengths in one-on-one situations.”
