Austria Wien signs national team player Verena Hanshaw

Voices on the transfer

Head coach Stefan Kenesei expressed his delight at the transfer. He described Hanshaw as a "wichtigen Führungsspielerin" and stressed the significance of the move for the club's sporting direction. "Ihr Wechsel zur Austria ist ein starkes Zeichen für unseren sportlichen Weg und die Entwicklung des Vereins", said Kenesei.

The signing is understood by Austria Wien as a signal for its own sporting development. With Hanshaw, the club is bringing in a player who has gained experience in several top European leagues and is an established figure in the national team. Club officials hope this will provide both sporting stability and a leadership figure in the dressing room.

Background: Hanshaw's stations abroad

For the upcoming season, Austria Wien is aiming to defend the championship title in the Women's Bundesliga. The new signing is intended to further consolidate an already strong defense. According to Kenesei, Hanshaw brings exactly the profile that is needed in decisive phases of a season.

The club did not provide any information on the contract duration or the financial terms of the transfer. Details of any further new signings in the summer of 2026 were also not initially announced. Austria Wien referred to a planned press conference at which the sporting management and coaching staff intend to provide information on squad planning.

Outlook on the new season

With her return to Vienna, a circle closes for Hanshaw. After 16 years abroad, during which she played in the top divisions in England and Germany, she is returning to a city she knows from previous stints. For the Austria players and the club's supporters, the signing is also a sporting statement.

The transfer comes at a time when the Austrian Women's Bundesliga as a whole is gaining attention. Clubs like Austria Wien are investing increasingly in squad quality in order to remain competitive internationally and to continue developing the domestic league.