Tobias Rau seals switch to Bielefeld

[BMike86]

Left-back to leave
Tobias Rau seals switch to Bielefeld

15.07.2005
Bayern left-back Tobias Rau has agreed an immediate switch to Bundesliga rivals Arminia Bielefeld, ending weeks of speculation over the Germany international's future. Rau will sign a two-year deal keeping him at the Westphalia club until 30 June 2007.

The clubs reached agreement on the deal on Friday. The details remain undisclosed. Rau still had two years left on his contract in Munich.

Thirteen top flight outings for Bayern

Rau, capped seven times by his country, arrived in Bavaria from VfL Wolfsburg in summer 2003 but failed to command a regular place at any time. The likeable player was hampered by a series of injury setbacks, most recently a torn calf muscle in April, and was restricted to 13 Bundesliga and three Champions League appearances for the Reds in his two-year stay.

The 23-year-old will be looking to make a fresh start in Bielefeld and put forward his credentials for a return to the international scene in time for next year's World Cup. The Bayern first-team squad now comprises 23 players, three fewer than in 2004-5.

http://www.fcbayern.t-com.de/en/news/news/2005/04736.php?fcb_sid=45092940ea6143a28f8f4386a5091d1e

[Neuwiednetronic Kev]

Yer hopefully he can relaunch his international career!!!

Good Luck Toby!!!!

[BMike86]

Originally I had felt that Mauersberger was going to be the last person for the squad and that they would have their last defensemen needed before going into the term. Now with Rau gone, Mauersberger can replace him and atleast one more player would have to be added. I am wondering will it be a star defender :D ? Even if they dont move Mauersberger up to the first squad they still need another defender. Lahm is injured and would be the needed link, and Lizarazu is old and needs to be replaced...all signs lead to a pickup of a defender hopefully a big one or atleast a young rising star. OR could this open the window for POLDI, this soon though :o ? I am hoping Bayern will bring in a star defender to go alongside Ismael, Lucio, and Sagnol. They just need one more strong, solid piece in the defense and the CL is Bayern's to lose. :cool:

[Neuwiednetronic Kev]

Hmmm yer hopefully it will be a young player from the reserves who is moved up. I feel Bayern may be a bit thin on the defensive side now, so Podolski is perhaps not the best option, unless Ballack leaves? or Santa Cruz?

When Lahm is fit, Liza should be close to retirement, and an understudy for Lahm would be perfect. Better than another star fullback IMO. This way Lahm can develope to his full potential without distraction.

IMO if Liza never came back, Rau would have developed into a great player and on the same level as Lahm will be.

But oh well, how life changes!