LASK on the verge of Sasa Kalajdzic's return following Champions League qualification

The background to the imminent transfer is the renewed contact between the clubs. As the sources indicate, the exchange between LASK and Wolverhampton intensified as the Linz side's participation in the Champions League took increasingly concrete shape. "Als die Champions League passiert ist, ist der Kontakt wieder mehr geworden", a club official was quoted as saying. The play-off second leg against Celtic Glasgow on Tuesday evening proved decisive in finalising the personnel matter swiftly.

Historic success against Celtic

The sporting key moment for LASK was the 5:1 after extra time against Celtic Glasgow in the play-off second leg of Champions League qualifying. The commanding victory secured the Linz side a place in the most lucrative phase of European club competition. The historic success is regarded as a turning point in the club's recent history, particularly as qualification had previously been considered "nicht mehr für möglich gehalten", according to the report. Reaching the Champions League group stage for the first time also brings a significant financial and sporting boost for the club.

Coach Didi Kühbauer, who guided the team through this successful phase, views the potential Kalajdzic transfer as a deliberate building block for the upcoming challenges. The Austrian striker brings international experience and is expected to further enhance the quality of an already well-stocked Linz attack. For Kühbauer, the matter is not only a sporting but also a symbolic signal to the club's supporters that the Champions League participation is being taken seriously and prepared with full commitment.

Horvath as a pillar of the team

Sasa Horvath and other pillars of the team had already provided decisive contributions in the previous qualifying round. The club had stressed even before the Glasgow match that reaching the Champions League would also prompt a reassessment of the transfer window. Now a concrete solution is on the table in the shape of Kalajdzic, described in the sources as being "auf der Zielgeraden". Should the move be finalised, LASK would strengthen their squad once more just before the close of the transfer window.

Wolverhampton open to talks

Wolverhampton Wanderers, the Austrian striker's current employer, are open to talks according to the sources. A loan would suit both clubs: Wolverhampton could relieve part of the wage bill, while LASK would secure a high-calibre attacker at short notice. The final shape of the deal, however, remains to be settled, in particular whether a purchase option will form part of the agreement.

For LASK supporters, the developments amount to a double cause for celebration within just a few days. First, the historic Champions League qualification, now the possible return of a top Austrian striker who previously played for the club. The mood in the Upper Austrian camp is described in the sources as correspondingly optimistic, although official confirmation of the transfer is still pending.

Strategic ambition for the Champions League

Overall, the move underscores LASK's strategic ambition to establish themselves sustainably at the top level of European football. With Kalajdzic, not only the sporting quality but also the media attention and the international profile of the club would be further strengthened. The coming days are likely to show whether the transfer can indeed be brought over the finish line.