Union Berlin has officially completed the signing of Kastriot Imeri on transfer deadline day. The Bundesliga club paid 2.4 million euros to Young Boys Bern to secure the 27-year-old midfielder permanently, as reported by Bild Sport.
The Swiss player was presented at 13:00 on Tuesday following a public training session. Team manager Susanne Kopplin (63) welcomed Imeri at the entrance to the Alte Försterei stadium, where he was handed the number 30 shirt. Union begins the season with one point from one game, sitting in 9th place in the standings. With three goals scored and three conceded, their goal difference is level.
Why is Imeri a desired player for Lustrinelli?
Manager Mauro Lustrinelli (50) knows the player well. He originally signed Imeri for Young Boys after his time at FC Thun. In the 2020 season, Lustrinelli first brought the midfielder to Union on loan. "The move to Union is a big challenge and at the same time a huge opportunity for me," Imeri said at his presentation. "The Bundesliga is one of the strongest leagues in the world. To be successful there with Union is a challenge I gladly accept."
The current squad list is available on our squad page. Lustrinelli is relying on a player who has internalized his system. Imeri left the stadium at 14:50, having arrived by pick-up truck at 11:20.
What other transfers happened on deadline day?
Alongside signing Imeri, the departure of Ilyas Ansah (21) was the biggest move. The attacking player transferred to Hull City for a fee of 18 million euros. Additional bonus payments of up to six million euros are possible. In the women's section, Union brought in an experienced player. Lina Hausicke (28), former captain of Werder Bremen, signed a contract. She brings 192 Bundesliga appearances with her. The manager of the women's team is Marie-Louise Eta (35).
Another young player was sent out on loan. Oluwaseun Ogbemudia (20) will not spend the coming season in Berlin. The defender, who previously played 16 third-division games in Mannheim and won the Badischen Landespokal with Waldhof, is set to gain match experience elsewhere.
What is Union's current situation?
Mauro Lustrinelli's team has started the season with a draw, collecting one point. This places Union ninth in the table. They trail leaders Bayern Munich by two points. The next opportunity to earn points comes on November 21st in a home match against third-placed RB Leipzig. All upcoming fixtures are listed in the fixtures schedule.
Defensive stability will be key to success. With three goals conceded from one game, there is room for improvement. The coming weeks until the Leipzig match will be used to integrate Imeri and for further tactical fine-tuning. Kastriot Imeri will now wear the number 30 shirt for Union Berlin.
