Union halted the planned transfer of goalkeeper Matheo Raab to Hannover 96 on July 7 2026. The 27-year-old stays in the squad and will fight for the No. 1 spot next season.
The move had been a topic of discussion. Hannover 96 wanted to sign the keeper, but Union signaled he would not be let go. Club director Peter Hermann stressed Raab’s importance for a defence that still shows gaps. Consequently, the club decided to keep him to maintain continuity.
Raab’s stay bolsters a goalkeeping position that has been shaky. Union currently sits 11th in the Bundesliga with 39 points from 34 games (10 W, 9 D, 15 L) and a recent form of W W D L L. With 44 goals scored and 58 conceded, the goal difference is -14, leaving them 50 points behind leaders Bayern Munich. His experience could help tighten the back line and secure vital points in the relegation battle.
Union now has to focus on other areas in the summer market because the budget for a replacement keeper is gone. Coach Urs Fischer has already said he will rely on young academy talents to fill the gaps. At the same time, the team will look to boost its attacking output to close the gap to the top clubs. The next match is against SC Freiburg, a key game to lift morale.
While the Raab move collapsed, other deals are moving forward: Cole Campbell is close to joining SV Elversberg from Borussia Dortmund, a transfer that includes a buy-back clause for Dortmund. Union has no confirmed signings yet, but rumors of a striker from the 2. Bundesliga are circulating. Fans await official statements as the season enters its decisive phase.
