Maierhofer joins Salzburg, Glasner retires

FC Salzburg have signed Austria striker Stefan Maierhofer from Wolverhampton Wanderers FC while fellow UEFA Europa League contenders SV Ried have announced that defender Oliver Glasner has retired after suffering a brain haemorrhage.

The 29-year-old Maierhofer has signed a contract until summer 2013, with the option of another year. Salzburg sporting director Heinz Hochhauser said of the leggy hitman: "We needed a striker and we wanted a towering player, who is strong in the area. We also wanted a real man, someone who gives all he's got and inspires the team. He embodies all of that."

The 17-times capped Maierhofer added: "I have joined Salzburg to win titles." Salzburg trail AC Omonia 2-1 from the away leg of their play-off tie, which concludes on Thursday.

Ried, who drew 0-0 at home against PSV Eindhoven in their play-off opener, have confirmed that long-serving defender Glasner will not play again. The 36-year-old underwent surgery after suffering a brain haemorrhage. "The doctors advised me never to play again," said Glasner, who had planned to end his career in June 2012. "It makes no sense to risk everything just to play football for another six months. That would be a big risk for my family and myself."