Candidates trading positions should form a cohesive team
Union Berlin's captain, Christopher Trimmel, has addressed the media during the club's training camp in Herzogenaurach, shedding light on the future of defenders Diogo Leite and Danilho Doekhi, who are reportedly seeking a move away from the club.
Trimmel confirmed that both Leite and Doekhi are "absolute professionals" who are working hard during training. He also expressed his wishes for the pair in their future endeavors, stating that he hopes they find development and a step forward in their careers. However, Trimmel did not indicate any specific clubs that Union might be targeting in the transfer market.
If Leite and Doekhi were to depart, Union Berlin is expected to be active in the transfer market. The club's primary transfer plan to reinforce the defense for the 2025/26 season is the loan signing of French defender Stanley Nsoki from Hoffenheim. Nsoki, a former PSG youth product and France U21 international, joins Union Berlin on a season-long loan with an option to buy at the end of the loan. He is expected to make their defense more versatile once he recovers from his current muscular injury.
In case of a shortage in central defense, Trimmel mentioned that he, Tom Rothe, and Rani Khedira could play as central defenders. Union could have only two Bundesliga-experienced central defenders in the squad (Leopold Querfeld and Stanley Nsoki). Trimmel also emphasised that any decision to sell would be made with a plan to replace the departing players.
Trimmel does not believe the potential departures will unsettle Leite and Doekhi. He acknowledged his teammates' ambitions to move on, expressing understanding for their desire to progress in their careers.
Union Berlin has also strengthened their attack this summer by signing forwards Andrej Ilic and Oliver Burke. The defensive reinforcement focus, based on available information, centers on Nsoki’s arrival from Hoffenheim.
[1] Union Berlin Sign Forwards Andrej Ilic and Oliver Burke (Link) [2] Union Berlin to Sign Defender Stanley Nsoki on Loan from Hoffenheim (Link) [3] Stanley Nsoki Injury Update (Link)
During the discussion, Trimmel acknowledged the ambitions of defenders Diogo Leite and Danilho Doekhi, expressing his hope that they find development and a step forward in their careers, hinting at potential moves away from Union Berlin. The club is planning to strengthen their defense for the 2025/26 season, with the loan signing of French defender Stanley Nsoki from Hoffenheim being their primary transfer plan.
