Transfer Update: 1. FC Union Berlin

Overview of 1. FC Union Berlin

In our series examining transfer activity around the Bundesliga, we take a closer look at 1. FC Union Berlin. The team, originally expected to battle for relegation, has surprisingly established itself firmly in the mid-table. Much of the credit for this stability goes to head coach Steffen Baumgart and managing director Horst Heldt.

Coaching Dynamics

A significant note is that Heldt and Baumgart finally have the opportunity to collaborate after nearly missing each other during their time in the city of Cologne. Heldt was responsible for bringing Baumgart onto 1. FC Köln shortly after the team barely avoided relegation in the 2020/21 season. Unfortunately, this hiring was also Heldt’s last act in Köln, as he was dismissed shortly thereafter.

It took three years before another Bundesliga club offered Heldt a position. Union Berlin appointed him in the summer of 2024 to replace Oliver Ruhnert, who stepped down for personal reasons. Shortly after this, Ruhnert had the chance to recruit Baumgart again following a disappointing coaching spell for Bo Svensson.

Tactical Changes and Progress

After nearly a year in charge, Baumgart has successfully transformed Union’s gameplay, moving away from the rigid strategies of previous coach Urs Fischer. Under his management, the team has adopted a more aggressive and dynamic attacking style compared to earlier seasons. Fans can look forward to Union securing another season in the Bundesliga with relative ease.

Current Season Performance: 1. FC Union Berlin

• Expected Position: 16th Place
• Current Position: 8th Place, 21 Points

Baumgart’s squad has primarily been effective with set pieces, scoring several goals through them as they reassert their dominance in these situations. Notable wins against top contenders RB Leipzig and Eintracht Frankfurt have significantly boosted their standing. In the decisive match against Frankfurt, all four of Union’s goals came from counterattacks.

However, Baumgart’s earlier reputation as an intense and sometimes controversial figure has faded. His stint with Köln had left many disillusioned due to excessive focus on publicity and hype surrounding his persona.

Autumn Transfer Review: 1. FC Union Berlin

• Estimated Summer Transfer Balance: +€200,000

One breakthrough this season has been the emergence of young German striker Ilyas Ansah, who has shown remarkable consistency across the current campaign. At just 21 years old, he is the team’s leading scorer with five goals and two assists, contributing significantly to their victories, particularly in crucial matches against Frankfurt and Leipzig.

Fans are now excited whenever Ansah is on the ball due to his speed and unpredictability. Additionally, the acquisition of Scottish striker Oliver Burke, despite his previous challenges, proved beneficial as he played a key role in their victories.

Another impressive transfer has been Derrick Köhn, who fits naturally as a wingback. Although he has yet to register a goal, his pace and activity on the field have been pivotal in ensuring consistent performance.

Newly added striker Andrej Ilic has struggled to find the net but has assisted on several goals, while Stanley Nsoki has seen improvement, scoring in his recent appearances.

Yet, South Korean international Woo-Yeong Jeong has been less impactful; while he occasionally contributes, his style does not align perfectly with Baumgart’s system.

Roster Challenges and Contract Situations

Union Berlin’s squad includes two players, Alex Kral and Marin Ljubicic, who have become largely forgotten. Managing director Heldt needs to address their situations urgently. Recent performances from Josip Juranovic and Tim Skarke suggest they may still have roles, but youth players like Livan Burcu and Dymtro Bogdanov should be loaned out for their development, especially as Bogdanov excels in the U19 league.

Dead Weight List

• Josip Juranovic (RB)
• Alex Kral (CM)
• Marin Ljubicic (CF)
• Tim Skarke (LS)
• Livan Burcu (LW)
• Dymtro Bogdanov (CF)

The contracts of Danilho Doekhi and Diogo Leite need to be managed thoroughly. Although there were missed opportunities to strengthen the squad, the return of Leite has mitigated some concerns. It remains critical for Heldt to finalize decisions regarding their futures in the upcoming transfer window, with an emphasis on adding more reliable center-backs.

Expiring Contracts

• Danilho Doekhi (CB)
• Diogo Leite (CB)
• Christopher Trimmel (RB)

Future Recruitment Needs and Rumored Transfers

The club has a clear set of objectives for the transfer window, including positions that need reinforcement. There are strong links to potential signings such as Anthony Dennis and Omar Haktab Traoré, both of whom would bolster the squad. Also, former Bundesliga players like Valentino Lazaro and Felix Uduokhai are reportedly of interest, as they would bring much-needed experience back to the league.

Positions Targeted

• Left Back
• Center Back
• Right Back
• Defensive Midfielder
• Forward

Rumored Players

• Felix Uduokhai (CB)
• Anthony Dennis (DM)
• Valentino Lazaro (RB)
• Omar Haktab Traoré (RB)