FC Red Bull Salzburg is actively shaping its roster for the upcoming 2026/27 ADMIRAL Women's Bundesliga season, following a commendable debut campaign that saw the club finish fourth and reach the cup final. The club has confirmed a series of strategic moves, including key contract extensions, new acquisitions, and promotions from its youth ranks, alongside several player departures.
Nine players have committed their futures to the club with new contract extensions. These include Greta SpinnPlayer·Greta Spinn, Valentina Illinger, Christina GierzingerPlayer·Christina Gierzinger, Laura Talwieser, Sophia Schirmbrand, Valentina Akrap, Katja WienerroitherPlayer·Katja Wienerroither, Theresa D’Angelo, and Emelie Kobler. Their continued presence provides a foundation of experience and continuity as the team prepares for the challenges of the expanded 14-team league.
Reinforcements arrive with two notable signings. Valerie Guha, a 22-year-old German goalkeeper, joins the squad. Guha brings experience from the US college league, where she most recently played for the New Mexico State Aggies, and previously featured for the FC Bayern Women's second team. Bolstering the defense, Austrian U17 international Sandra RauschPlayer·Sandra Rausch transfers from the academy in St. Pölten, signaling an investment in young, promising talent.
In line with the club's philosophy of nurturing local prospects, four players from the U20s team have earned promotions to the first team. Annika BräunlingerPlayer·Annika Bräunlinger, Maya Lampl, Ajlina Berisha, and Anika HelmerPlayer·Anika Helmer are set to take the next step in their careers, integrating into the senior squad for the new season.
Conversely, ten players are departing the club, including captain Lucia OrkicPlayer·Lucia Orkic. The club extended its gratitude to Lara RitterPlayer·Lara Ritter, Maria Anna GanislPlayer·Maria Anna Ganisl, Caroline Gragger, Helena Milanovic, Kate PrummerPlayer·Kate Prummer, Emma RemichPlayer·Emma Remich, Kelly Scholz, Vina CrnojaPlayer·Vina Crnoja, Lucia OrkicPlayer·Lucia Orkic, and Michaela Fischer for their contributions.
Pre-season training for Red Bull Salzburg is scheduled to commence on June 22, with the first matchday of the ADMIRAL Women's Bundesliga slated for August 1 or 2, 2026. The exact fixture schedule will be announced at a later date. This period of squad adjustment aligns with broader developments in the Women's BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga, which is transitioning to an independent structure under the Frauen BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga FBL e.V. from the 2026/27 season. This move aims to significantly professionalize the league and enhance its international standing, with substantial investment planned over the coming years to retain top talent and elevate the competition's profile.
Greta Spinn of Red Bull Salzburg shoots the ball during the ÖFB Women's Cup Final. Yigit Örme/IMAGO
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