OF Frauen Bundesliga: Verena Hanshaw has joined for FK Austria Wien


Austria Wien have signed 32-year-old Verena Hanshaw from Women's Super League side West Ham. The Austrian striker has represented his country more than 130 times and the transfer is considered to be of great importance to the club and the OF Frauen Bundesliga. The talented defender has spent time at Italian club Roma, Germany's Eintracht Frankfurt and then West Ham. Hanshaw, 32, is hailed as the Austrian national team's fifth-highest capped player and joint-eighth top goalscorer of all time. At the 2017 European Championships, he was named in the Team of the Tournament. "After 16 years, I am very happy to return to my home country," said Hanshaw. "I want to meet everyone I know, but I'm very familiar with the national team and even watch them. I've seen a few matches and I'm really looking forward to playing for the fans. Their atmosphere is always amazing and I'm looking forward to playing at the Franz Horr stadium soon." Austria Wien coach Stefan Kenesei spoke about the importance of having such a highly regarded player. "We have secured an excellent transfer. She has extensive international experience from several countries, including the English Women's Super League and the Austrian national team, and is one of the most consistent players year after year. "Hanshaw's move to Austria Wien is a strong signal in our sporting direction and the development of the club. His quality, experience and attitude will help us immediately and he will be an important leader on the pitch." Austria Wien will begin their Bundesliga leadership defense on July 31st. They will face arch-rivals SKN St. Pölten at the Franz Horr Arena. This match will be a huge event to inspire people to open up. Their UEFA Women's Champions League campaign begins on August 5th, again at home, this time against Hajduk Split in Croatia.