Union Berlin president Dirk Zingler is already planning the Bundesliga club's transfer revenue for the year 2027. The 62-year-old stated that the club requires income from player sales every year to ensure a balanced budget.
Zingler made these comments in a report by Bild Sport this week. Union Berlin began the new season with a draw and sits in ninth place in the Bundesliga with one point from one match. The team under coach Mauro Lustrinelli has scored three goals and conceded three. In the title race, the club is two points behind leaders Bayern Munich.
Why Union needs transfer revenue every year
Dirk Zingler emphasized the necessity of regular income from the player market. "We need transfer revenue every year," the Union boss said verbatim. He described this as a fundamental requirement for the club's financial stability. The sale of talents like Ilyas Ansah, who moved to Hull City for 22 million euros plus additional payments, shows this strategy. Such transfers enable Union to remain competitive with established Bundesliga sides like Augsburg, Mainz, and Freiburg. The club's long-term aim is to be on par with these teams within the next three to four years.
How the long-term planning works
Transfer planning at Union Berlin operates with a lead time of several years. "We already have to have an idea today," Zingler explained regarding the approach for 2027. This forward-looking strategy encompasses both potential sales and targeted new signings. An example of talent development is the loan of Oluwaseun Ogbemudia to Waldhof Mannheim. Nurturing such players is a core part of the business model. Simultaneously, the club relies on experienced key players like Josip Juranovic to lead the team on the pitch.
What role does the current season play?
The current season start provides the context for these long-term considerations. With one point from the opening match, Union is in ninth position. The record of three goals scored and three conceded shows balanced performance in attack and defense. A full overview of the team's statistics is available on our stats page. The focus now shifts to preparation for the next important home fixture. On November 21, 2026, Union Berlin hosts fourth-placed RB Leipzig at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. The exact schedule for the coming weeks can be found in our fixtures calendar.
What does the future hold for Union?
The combination of short-term competitiveness and long-term planning defines Union Berlin's path. The strategic direction under Dirk Zingler and coach Mauro Lustrinelli aims to establish the club sustainably in the Bundesliga. Developing and strategically selling players is as important as building a competitive core squad. The current league standings can be tracked on the standings page. The next home match against RB Leipzig on November 21, 2026, will be an important benchmark for the course of the season.
