Rapid Vienna is on the verge of finalising a deal to sign Cameroonian midfielder Martin Ndzie from FC Ashdod, overtaking Turkish side Kasimpasa in the race for the highly-rated 22-year-old.
The Austrian club has tabled a €2 million bid for the defensive midfielder, and negotiations with Ashdod are said to be nearing completion.
The proposed move would mark a significant step forward in Ndzie’s career, following a standout season in Israel.
While Rapid Vienna appears to be in pole position, Kasimpasa has not yet withdrawn from the pursuit.
The Turkish club had earlier made a concrete offer and reportedly presented Ndzie with a three-year contract in a bid to secure his signature.
However, with Rapid Vienna making a stronger financial proposal, the balance has tipped in favour of the Austrian outfit.
Despite the advanced stage of talks, the transfer saga may not be over.
Sources close to the negotiations suggest that Kasimpasa remains active behind the scenes and could still attempt a last-minute swoop.
Belgian side La Gantoise has also expressed interest, though their approach has yet to materialise into a formal bid.
Ndzie, under contract with Ashdod until June 2027, saw his stock rise significantly over the past season.
The Cameroonian international featured in 33 matches across all competitions, earning plaudits for his consistency, tactical intelligence, and ball-winning abilities in midfield.
His current market value, according to Transfermarkt, stands at €1.7 million.
The potential move to Rapid Vienna represents both a sporting and financial upgrade for the midfielder.
A key figure in Ashdod’s campaign, Ndzie’s development in Israel has not gone unnoticed, with several European clubs monitoring his progress throughout the year.
If completed, the transfer would offer Rapid Vienna a young and energetic option at the heart of their midfield as they look to strengthen their squad for domestic and European challenges.
For Ndzie, it could prove a critical platform to further his ambitions on the continental stage.
Negotiations continue, and while an agreement is close, the final outcome may still depend on whether Kasimpasa returns with an improved offer or concedes defeat in what has become one of the summer’s more closely contested transfer pursuits.
