TSV Hartberg signs Liverpool goalkeeper Armin Pécsi on loan

Schopp sees the transfer as confirmation

Coach Markus Schopp views the transfer as confirmation of the club's work to date. "I find it great that once again this season one of the biggest clubs in Europe is entrusting us with one of the biggest goalkeeping talents," Schopp said. For him, this is no coincidence: "It simply speaks for TSV Hartberg, because the work done in this position over the past few years has always been very good."

The sporting director of Austria Lustenau, Dieter Alge, had previously described the 1.93 m tall striker as his club's preferred option. In the current transfer to Hartberg, however, Alge plays no part. The move is an independent step taken by those in charge at Hartberg.

Pécsi convinced by the club

Pécsi himself expressed his delight at the move during his presentation. "I am very happy to be at TSV Hartberg now," said the goalkeeper. He had already felt the club's trust in the initial discussions: "Ich habe das Vertrauen des Vereins schon in den ersten Gesprächen gespürt und bin jetzt froh, hier zu sein." He was also won over by the club's clear concept: "The club follows a clear path of developing young players while also being successful, and that is exactly what convinced me from the very start."

Looking ahead to the tasks to come, Pécsi was ambitious: "I am looking forward to getting started, working hard every day, and doing my part so that we achieve our shared goals." The new signing is sending an early signal that he wants to be more than just a stopgap solution at Hartberg.

In the East Styrian goalkeeping unit, Pécsi will form a trio behind the backline together with Luka Maric and Harald Postl. The battle for places is now on, but the pecking order seems clear: Pécsi, as a loan player from Liverpool, is earmarked for the role of first-choice keeper.

New role in the goalkeeping team

For TSV Hartberg, the transfer is further evidence that the club is regarded on the transfer market as a reliable partner for top clubs. The collaboration with FC Liverpool underlines the East Styrians' growing reputation in European football and could lead to further loans or partnerships in the future.

At the same time, the move represents a sporting upgrade for Hartberg: with a goalkeeper who was Liverpool U21's number one and has already made his debut for the Hungarian senior national team, the level of a key position has been raised. Coach Schopp can now plan his defensive setup around a goalkeeper who has been developed to the highest standard both in footballing and physical terms.

The start of the Austrian Bundesliga season is drawing closer, and with Pécsi, the new number one for the coming campaign is confirmed. Those in charge at Hartberg are sending a clear signal: the club wants to attack in the new season and is relying on international quality rather than an unknown newcomer from the lower leagues.