Union Berlin have signed Swiss international Kastriot Imeri as their sixth new arrival, creating a final audition for three players in the squad. The 26-year-old joins with a thigh injury that will delay his debut by one to two weeks, the club confirmed.
The team under manager Mauro Lustrinelli sits ninth in the Bundesliga with one point from one match. Their goal difference is even at 3-3. The next home fixture against RB Leipzig, currently third in the table, is scheduled for November 21, 2026.
Who needs to prove themselves now?
The arrival of Kastriot Imeri puts particular pressure on three players. András Schäfer (27), Livan Burcu (21), and Woo-Yeong Jeong (26) are competing for starting spots on the wings. Imeri feels most comfortable on the flanks but can also play centrally. For the three established players, a crucial period now begins to impress before the new signing is fully fit. The current squad composition can be viewed on our squad page.
Lustrinelli's midfield now comprises ten players. Competition is fierce. The report from Bild Sport states that Imeri will play once fit. This gives the others limited time to make their case. The team has been seeking more creativity, which was often lacking in recent years.
What does Kastriot Imeri bring to Berlin?
Sporting director Horst Heldt described the new signing as a "technically strong and variable offensive player." The club's leadership hopes Imeri will provide precisely these creative sparks. The Swiss international already knows manager Lustrinelli from their time together at FC Thun, where they surprisingly won the Swiss championship as a promoted team. This experience and existing chemistry should speed up the integration process.
Alongside Imeri, Michel Aebischer (29) also joined from Pisa this summer. The club is thus investing specifically in its creative midfield. The Bundesliga standings show Union is currently nine points behind leaders Bayern München. All current statistics are available on our stats page.
What is the current situation?
Union started the 2026/27 season with a draw. Their recent form is indicated by a "D" for Draw. The next challenge is the home match against strong Leipzig side. Until then, Lustrinelli has time to organize his midfield and await Imeri's return.
The newcomer's injury is a minor setback but gives the established players a brief reprieve. The coming training sessions and possibly a cup match will be decisive for personnel decisions on the wings. The schedule until the winter break is listed on our fixtures calendar.
The signing of Kastriot Imeri marks an important step in Union Berlin's squad planning. His debut is expected in early to mid-October, shortly before the next Bundesliga home game on November 21, 2026, against RB Leipzig.
