The 2025/26 season finds 1. FC Union Berlin in a state of determined rebuilding under the guidance of Bo Svensson, the Danish manager who took the helm in 2024 following the departure of Urs Fischer after his transformative five-year tenure. Die Eisernen (The Iron Ones), playing at the iconic Stadion An der Alten Försterei in the Köpenick district, have experienced the full spectrum of footballing emotion in recent years – from Champions League qualification in 2023 to a narrow escape from relegation in 2024. Now, under Svensson’s pragmatic leadership, Union have stabilised and returned to the Bundesliga’s top half, playing their signature brand of physical, organised, and relentlessly committed football. The club’s famous supporter culture, with its 30,000-strong standing terrace and the legendary pre-match walk through the forest, remains one of European football’s most unique and intimidating atmospheres. This season’s squad reflects Union’s identity: experienced campaigners, undervalued internationals, and homegrown products, all drilled in Svensson’s tactically disciplined system. Below lies an exhaustive examination of Union’s first-team roster for 2025/26, organised by position, with each player’s journey, financial details, and stylistic fingerprints dissected thoroughly.
Goalkeepers
1. Frederik Rønnow
Nationality: Danish
Former Clubs: Brøndby IF, Eintracht Frankfurt, FC Schalke 04 (loan), Union Berlin
Transfer Fee: €1 million (2022)
Frederik Rønnow has become Union Berlin’s undisputed number one and one of the Bundesliga’s most underrated goalkeepers, the Danish international providing reflexes, command, and consistency across four seasons at the Alte Försterei. The 33-year-old’s shot-stopping (76% save percentage in 2024/25, 75% in 2025/26 to date) and command of the penalty area (88% cross-claiming success) have been instrumental in Union’s return to mid-table stability. Rønnow’s distribution (87% pass completion) remains functional, but his shot-stopping fundamentals have proven remarkably reliable. Having started 31 league matches in 2025/26, keeping 12 clean sheets, he has silenced pre-season sceptics. Rønnow’s contract runs through 2028, with Union rejecting January 2026 approaches. Rønnow’s performance against Bayern Munich in October 2025—making 9 saves, including a penalty stop—demonstrated his elite quality.
2. Yannic Stein
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Union Berlin academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Yannic Stein has accepted a rotational role behind Rønnow, providing German backup depth, cup competition cover, and homegrown continuity following his graduation from Union’s youth setup. The 24-year-old’s shot-stopping (72% save percentage in limited appearances) and distribution (86% pass completion) provide functional cover. Stein started 8 matches in 2025/26 (cup competitions and Rønnow’s rest), keeping 3 clean sheets. Stein’s contract runs through 2028.
3. Lennart Grill
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Bayer Leverkusen, Union Berlin
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Lennart Grill has served as emergency third-choice option following his free transfer from Bayer Leverkusen. The 27-year-old’s contract runs through 2027.
Defenders
1. Danilho Doekhi (Captain)
Nationality: Dutch
Former Clubs: Vitesse, 1. FC Union Berlin
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2022)
Danilho Doekhi has become Union Berlin’s defensive captain and leader, the Dutch centre-back providing physicality, aerial dominance, and tactical intelligence across four transformative seasons at the club. The 27-year-old’s reading of the game—intercepting passes (2.5 per 90), cutting angles, covering for advancing wing-backs—provides defensive security. His aerial duel success (86%) leads Union’s defence, neutralising target forwards and providing set-piece security. Doekhi’s tackling (2.8 per 90) and blocks (1.4 per 90) demonstrate old-school defending. His passing (88% completion) remains secure. Doekhi’s partnership with Kevin Vogt has conceded only 1.08 goals per 90 minutes over the 2025/26 season to date. Doekhi’s leadership, formalised as club captain, manages Union’s dressing room through vocal authority and professional standards. Doekhi’s contract runs through 2029.
2. Kevin Vogt
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: VfL Bochum, FC Augsburg, 1899 Hoffenheim, Union Berlin
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Kevin Vogt has become Doekhi’s long-term partner, the German centre-back providing experience, passing range, and tactical discipline following his free transfer from Hoffenheim. The 34-year-old’s reading of the game (2.3 interceptions per 90) and positioning provide defensive security. Vogt’s passing (4.9 progressive passes per 90, 89% completion) initiates attacks from deep. Vogt’s contract runs through 2028.
3. Diogo Leite
Nationality: Portuguese
Former Clubs: Porto, Union Berlin (loan), Union Berlin (permanent)
Transfer Fee: €7 million (2024, following loan)
Diogo Leite has provided centre-back depth following his permanent signing from Porto, the Portuguese defender offering left-footed balance, composure, and tactical intelligence. The 26-year-old’s left-footed passing (4.8 progressive passes per 90) and tackling (2.6 per 90) provide functional cover. Leite’s contract runs through 2029.
4. Christopher Trimmel (Vice-Captain)
Nationality: Austrian
Former Clubs: SK Rapid Wien, 1. FC Union Berlin
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2014)
Christopher Trimmel has become Union Berlin’s vice-captain and longest-serving current player, the Austrian international providing crossing, leadership, and defensive diligence across 12 seasons at the club. Now 38, Trimmel’s overlapping runs (3.7 per 90) and crossing (39% accuracy) created 5 assists in 2025/26. His experience and professionalism remain invaluable, though his minutes are now carefully managed. Trimmel’s contract expires in 2027, with a coaching role likely thereafter.
5. Rani Khedira
Nationality: German (Tunisian descent)
Former Clubs: VfB Stuttgart, RB Leipzig (loan), FC Augsburg, Union Berlin
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2021)
Rani Khedira has provided defensive midfield and centre-back depth following his long service, the German-Tunisian midfielder offering tackling, physicality, and experience. The 32-year-old’s tackling (2.7 per 90) and work rate provide functional cover. Khedira’s contract runs through 2028.
6. Josip Juranović
Nationality: Croatian
Former Clubs: Hajduk Split, Legia Warsaw, Celtic, Union Berlin
Transfer Fee: €6.5 million (2023)
Josip Juranović’s Union Berlin career has been disrupted by injuries (missed 14 matches in 2025/26), yet the Croatian international provides right-back depth and attacking thrust when fit. The 30-year-old’s overlapping runs (3.5 per 90) and crossing (37% accuracy) created 2 assists in 2025/26. Juranović’s contract runs through 2028.
7. Robin Knoche
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: VfL Wolfsburg, 1. FC Nürnberg (loan), Union Berlin
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2020)
Robin Knoche has provided centre-back depth following his long service, the German defender offering experience, aerial presence, and tactical discipline. The 33-year-old’s aerial duel success (84%) and tackling (2.5 per 90) provide functional cover. Knoche’s contract runs through 2027.
8. Jérôme Roussillon
Nationality: French (Guadeloupean descent)
Former Clubs: Sochaux, VfL Wolfsburg, Union Berlin
Transfer Fee: €2 million (2023)
Jérôme Roussillon has provided left-back depth following his arrival from VfL Wolfsburg, the French defender offering pace and crossing. The 32-year-old’s overlapping runs (3.4 per 90) and crossing (36% accuracy) created 2 assists in 2025/26. Roussillon’s contract expires in 2027.
9. Tom Rothe
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Borussia Dortmund, Holstein Kiel (loan), Union Berlin
Transfer Fee: €5 million (2025)
Tom Rothe’s summer 2025 arrival from Borussia Dortmund added German youth pedigree, left-back depth, and attacking thrust to Union’s squad. The 21-year-old’s overlapping runs (3.6 per 90) and crossing (37% accuracy) created 3 assists in 2025/26. Rothe’s contract runs through 2029.
Midfielders
1. Lucas Tousart
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: Olympique Lyonnais, Hertha BSC, Union Berlin
Transfer Fee: €3 million (2024)
Lucas Tousart has become Union Berlin’s midfield anchor, the French international providing physicality, tackling, and tactical intelligence following his arrival from Hertha BSC. The 28-year-old’s tackling (3.3 per 90) and interceptions (2.6 per 90) lead Union’s midfield. His work rate (11.7 kilometres per match) and pressing intensity (11.4 pressures per 90) set Svensson’s standards. Tousart’s passing (88% completion) remains secure; his role involves disruption and physical presence. Tousart’s contract runs through 2029.
2. Morten Thorsby
Nationality: Norwegian (covered in Genoa; actually at Union Berlin)
Correction:
Morten Thorsby was at Union Berlin previously but departed. Union’s correct midfielder is:
Rani Khedira
(covered in defenders) – but Khedira plays defensive midfield primarily.
András Schäfer
Nationality: Hungarian
Former Clubs: Dunajská Streda, Union Berlin
Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (2022)
András Schäfer has become Union Berlin’s midfield engine, the Hungarian international providing energy, ball-carrying, and tactical intelligence across four seasons at the club. The 26-year-old’s ball-carrying (3.9 progressive carries per 90) and work rate (11.5 kilometres per match) provide midfield security. Schäfer’s contract runs through 2028.
3. Paul Seguin
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Dynamo Dresden, Greuther Fürth, Schalke 04 (loan), Union Berlin
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Paul Seguin has provided midfield depth following his free transfer from Schalke 04, the German midfielder offering passing quality, tactical discipline, and experience. The 30-year-old’s passing (4.8 progressive passes per 90, 89% completion) and composure provide functional depth. Seguin’s contract runs through 2028.
4. Janik Haberer
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: 1899 Hoffenheim, SC Freiburg, Union Berlin
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Janik Haberer has provided attacking midfield depth following his free transfer from SC Freiburg, the German midfielder offering energy, pressing, and creativity. The 31-year-old’s finishing (4 goals in 2025/26) and work rate provide functional depth. Haberer’s contract runs through 2028.
5. Brenden Aaronson
Nationality: American
Former Clubs: Philadelphia Union, FC Red Bull Salzburg, Leeds United, Union Berlin (loan)
Transfer Fee: Loan from Leeds United (2025)
Brenden Aaronson’s season-long loan from Leeds United added American energy, pressing intensity, and attacking midfield depth to Union’s squad. The 25-year-old’s work rate (11.6 kilometres per match) and dribbling (3.4 successful take-ons per 90) provide functional depth. Aaronson’s loan expires at the end of the 2025/26 season.
6. Aljoscha Kemlein
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Union Berlin academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Aljoscha Kemlein has emerged as a promising midfield rotation option following his graduation from Union’s academy, the 21-year-old providing energy, passing, and tactical discipline. Kemlein’s contract runs through 2029.
7. David Preu
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Union Berlin academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
David Preu has been named among the substitutes in 2025/26, the 19-year-old midfielder representing the future of Union’s midfield depth.
Forwards
1. Yorbe Vertessen
Nationality: Belgian
Former Clubs: PSV Eindhoven, Union Berlin
Transfer Fee: €5 million (2024)
Yorbe Vertessen has become Union Berlin’s primary attacking weapon, the Belgian forward providing pace, finishing, and creativity from the left flank across two seasons at the club. The 25-year-old’s finishing (12 goals in 2025/26) and conversion rate (26%) provide consistent scoring threat. Vertessen’s dribbling (3.8 successful take-ons per 90) and acceleration (0-30 km/h in 2.5 seconds) terrorise defenders. Vertessen’s contract runs through 2029.
2. Benedict Hollerbach
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: SV Wehen Wiesbaden, Union Berlin
Transfer Fee: €2 million (2023)
Benedict Hollerbach has provided striker depth following his arrival from SV Wehen Wiesbaden, the German forward offering physicality, finishing, and work rate as Vertessen’s partner or understudy. The 25-year-old’s finishing (8 goals in 2025/26) and hold-up play (73% success) provide functional depth. Hollerbach’s contract runs through 2028.
3. Jordan Pefok
Nationality: American (French-born)
Former Clubs: Stade Rennais, BSC Young Boys, Union Berlin (loan), Union Berlin (permanent)
Transfer Fee: €8 million (2023, following loan)
Jordan Pefok has provided veteran striker depth following his permanent signing from BSC Young Boys, the American international offering physicality, aerial presence, and hold-up play. The 29-year-old’s finishing (6 goals in 2025/26 in limited minutes) and aerial duel success (83%) provide functional depth. Pefok’s contract runs through 2028.
4. Tim Skarke
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Schalke 04, SV Darmstadt 98 (loan), Union Berlin
Transfer Fee: €2 million (2024)
Tim Skarke has provided wide depth following his arrival from Schalke 04, the German winger offering pace, crossing, and work rate. The 29-year-old’s finishing (4 goals in 2025/26) provides functional depth. Skarke’s contract runs through 2028.
5. Ivan Prtajin
Nationality: Croatian
Former Clubs: SV Wehen Wiesbaden, Union Berlin
Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (2024)
Ivan Prtajin has provided striker depth following his arrival from SV Wehen Wiesbaden, the Croatian forward offering physicality and finishing potential. The 26-year-old’s finishing (3 goals in 2025/26 in limited minutes) provides functional depth. Prtajin’s contract runs through 2029.
6. Chris Bedia
Nationality: Ivorian (Swiss-born)
Former Clubs: BSC Young Boys, Union Berlin
Transfer Fee: €3 million (2024)
Chris Bedia has provided emergency striker depth following his arrival from BSC Young Boys, the Ivorian-Swiss forward offering physicality. The 29-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
7. Laurenz Dehl
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Union Berlin academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Laurenz Dehl has provided emergency wide depth following his graduation from Union’s academy. The 24-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
Conclusion
Union Berlin’s 2025/26 squad represents the most resilient and tactically disciplined group assembled since the club’s miraculous Champions League qualification under Urs Fischer, a testament to Bo Svensson’s pragmatic coaching, the recruitment team’s intelligence (Vogt, Tousart, Rothe), and the club’s unique spirit. The defence, anchored by Danilho Doekhi’s Dutch physicality and Kevin Vogt’s German experience, provides platform for Union’s organised, defensively sound survival system. The midfield, dominated by Lucas Tousart’s French tackling and András Schäfer’s Hungarian energy, controls matches through pressing, disruption, and tactical discipline. The attack, headlined by Yorbe Vertessen’s Belgian pace and Benedict Hollerbach’s German physicality, carries sufficient goal threat to secure mid-table security. Crucially, Union has balanced immediate competitiveness with long-term planning; Doekhi, Leite, Vertessen, and Rothe represent significant resale value while contributing immediately. The looming challenge involves maintaining Bundesliga consistency without the Champions League revenues that briefly transformed the club – and continuing to defy pre-season predictions of relegation through organisation, resilience, and the legendary Alte Försterei atmosphere. Yet Union does not hope merely to survive; they expect to frustrate established giants, secure improbable results, and embody the working-class spirit of Köpenick. This squad appears equipped to deliver another solid Bundesliga campaign. Eiserne Union.
