Experienced midfielder arrives from Wolfsberger AC.
Gerhard Struber has added to his squad early in the January window, with 26-year-old midfielder Marcel Ritzmaier signing a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Reds.
An experienced and versatile midfielder, Ritzmaier can operate comfortably in all areas of a midfield diamond, as well as being comfortable in the left full-back role.
The 26-year-old, who will turn 27 in April, has amassed nearly 250 matches in his career, regularly featuring in the Europa League over the years since his first appearance for Dutch giants PSV in 2011.
Ritzmaier has represented his native Austria at U16, U17, U18, U19 and U21 level. Gerhard Struber moved quickly to secure a player that has played 18 times for former club Wolfsberger AC this season, scoring twice and assisting four times.
Struber told barnsleyfc.co.uk that he was really pleased to get the signing done. He said: “Marcel is a special player and will offer us more options for positions in the diamond. He can play in what I would call the number eight, the six and the 10. He’s a player with experience and high technical skills and is also quick, so I am very happy he’s chosen to play for Barnsley FC. Marcel will help for me and our team, also our fans. He will be a good player for this club.”
Marcel has spoken with iFollow Barnsley at length following his move to Barnsley Football Club, he said: “I am really happy to sign for Barnsley FC and to play in England. I have played for eight and a half years in the Netherlands and also in Austria and also the Europa League so I hope I can bring some experience to the team. I have a good relationship with Gerhard and Max, I know them as trainer’s and they know me as a player. The way they want to play fits me very well, I am happy to work with them.”
Barnsley Football Club’s CEO, Dane Murphy, spoke to barnsleyfc.co.uk after securing the club’s first signing of the January window, he said: “Many understand that this window can be difficult to get deals done, so we’re pleased to sign Marcel early. Marcel is an immensely talented player with background in the highest levels of European football. Barnsley Football Club is lucky to have secured his services as a few clubs in the top divisions of the continent chased his signature. Gerhard is quite familiar with Marcel and will utilize his ability to get maximum return. This is another step in the right direction for Barnsley Football Club in what will be an exciting second half of the season.”
