There have been a few rumors in recent weeks that Ante Bajic, who played for SV Ried from 2018 to 2022 (87 games, 25 goals, 19 assists), is about to return to the Innviertel. The OÖN reported on December 9th. However, nothing concrete has been heard recently. Now it’s clear: the 28-year-old native of Altheim is returning to Ried.
“There is no need to introduce the player and, above all, the person Ante Bajic in Ried and the Innviertel,” says SVR sports director Wolfgang Fiala. “The fact that Ante is moving to the 2nd league shows his connection to SV Guntamatic Ried and the strength that our club has developed in the last six months. The most important thing, however, is that Ante fits our game idea and continues to improve our squad at the top.”
“We managed to bring Ante Bajic, a dream player from our sporting leadership, back to Ried. Our thanks go especially to our sponsors and partners, who made this transfer possible with their additional commitment. We are convinced that Ante Bajic will enrich SV Guntamatic Ried both personally and sportingly and will help us achieve our goal of playing in the top league again,” says SVR President Thomas Gahleitner.
“The past few months have not been easy for me. I had few appearances and that’s why I decided to change now,” says Ante Bajic. “My gut feeling tells me that the decision for SV Guntamatic Ried is the right one. I know the club and want to get back to where I was in Ried in terms of play and help the team with my goals and assists. If we all stick together in the club, then we will achieve our goals. I’m now really looking forward to returning to Ried.” He will remain a fan of SK Rapid. “I’m keeping my fingers crossed for the team for the upcoming tasks,” says the 28-year-old and adds: “Even though I would have liked more sporting success with this great club, the last year and a half have been very important for my sporting development.”
Rapid managing director Markus Katzer thanked Bajic for his commitment and commitment. “The past six months have been anything but easy for Ante Bajic from a sporting perspective. The competition in the offensive positions is very high, which is why we couldn’t promise him more playing time in the spring. We wish him both sporty and private only the best for the future,” Katzer is quoted as saying in a Rapid press release.
Before the start of spring preparation next Monday, this is a big exclamation mark for the Innviertel team in the promotion race. The gap to the GAK is currently eight points.
Only six appearances this season
In the summer of 2022, Bajic, who was the focus of several clubs with very strong performances, moved to record champions Rapid. The offensive player was denied his big breakthrough in Vienna. Bajic only made six appearances this season. In total, Bajic made 45 competitive appearances for Rapid with a total of 1,787 minutes of play. He now wants to make a fresh start in Ried. SV Ried also closely followed Bajic in Vienna. “If I can, I watch every game on TV. I’m still shaking. Last season was particularly bitter with the relegation. That hurt me,” said Bajic in a detailed OÖN interview at the end of August 2023.
Author
Thomas Streif
Innviertel editorial team
Thomas Streif
