Austrian champion Kenesei: 'Hanshaw is a very special transfer'

The Austrian Women's Bundesliga has entered a new phase with the arrival of Verena Hanshaw, a 32-year-old defender who joins Wiener Austria after spending the last few seasons in England with West Ham United. The transfer marks a major shift in the league, as Hanshaw becomes the first player to move directly from the English Women’s Super League, a widely regarded top-tier competition, to the Austrian league since 2010. Her signing was hailed as a “transfer hammer” by coach Stefan Kenesei, who described her as a “very special acquisition.” With 131 caps for the Austrian national team, Hanshaw brings a wealth of experience and international recognition to the club. Hanshaw’s return to Austria is particularly significant given her history with the country. She once left for Germany at age 16 before playing for clubs such as Eintracht Frankfurt, AS Roma, and ultimately West Ham. Now back in her home nation, she aims to help Wiener Austria achieve its goal of qualifying for the Champions League group stage. The club already boasts a strong defensive lineup, including players like Katharina Schiechtl, Virginia Kirchberger, Carina Wenninger, and Louise Schöffel, who collectively have over 500 combined caps for their national teams. This depth gives the team a distinct advantage over its rivals in the league. In addition to Hanshaw, other notable signings have bolstered the squad. Fanny Vago, a Hungarian international with 146 caps, returns to St. Pölten after seven years away. A former league legend, Vago was four-time consecutive top scorer during her time with the club. Meanwhile, Maria Plattner, a 25-year-old from Tyrol, joins Red Bull Salzburg from the second team of FC Bayern Munich. Her inclusion adds fresh talent to the roster of one of the league’s most successful clubs. Eleni Rittmann, another key figure, continues to make waves in the league. The 25-year-old Swiss defender has amassed a large social media following, surpassing that of both Rapid and Austria. Having previously played for Altach, Rittmann is returning to the club after a stint in France with Thonon Grand Geneve. Her presence highlights the growing influence of individual players in shaping the league’s narrative. Stefan Kenesei, the head coach of Wiener Austria, emphasized that the financial and structural differences between leagues are becoming more pronounced. He noted that while the gap between men’s and women’s football is still relatively small, the trend suggests it will widen in the future. For now, however, the Austrian league benefits from high-quality infrastructure and competitive conditions that attract top talent. Kenesei pointed to three main factors that made Hanshaw’s transfer possible: the shared facilities with the men’s team, the club’s consistent improvement in quality and strategy, and the emotional connection to the city of Vienna, where she began her career. Beyond Hanshaw, several other transfers have reshaped the landscape. Patricia Pfanner, a 22-year-old forward from First Vienna FC, joins the Austria squad, adding youthful energy. Red Bull Salzburg loses captain Lucia Orkic, who moves to Austria, while Andrea Glibo and Sandra Jakobsen join from SKN St. Pölten and Sturm Graz respectively. These additions aim to solidify the team’s position as a contender for the Champions League qualification. The season kicks off on August 1 with a crucial match against St. Pölten in Vienna. The first challenge awaits on August 5, when Austria faces Hajduk Split in a qualifier for the Champions League. A win would set up a potential showdown with either Mura or Farul Constanța on August 8. Kenesei expressed confidence in the team’s ability to progress through these early stages, citing the recent draw against Paris Saint-Germain as evidence of their growing strength. However, he warned against assuming automatic success, noting that other clubs have also strengthened their squads. The goal is clear: to become a lasting force in Austrian football rather than a fleeting success story.