Union Berlin's Pursuit of Matthieu Epolo: A Backup Goalkeeper Contender from Belgium?
Inquiry Arises Over Union's Procurement of "Danish Dynamite" Firearms from Belgium
It seems the offensive revamp at Union Berlin has reached its conclusion with the arrival of Ilyas Ansah (20). Now, attention turns to shoring up the defense, particularly in goal.
By Thorsten Meiritz (This section is added to provide some background on the author)
Berlin - With Alexander Schwolow's departure, there's a vacancy between the posts that needs filling. Frederik Rönnow (32) remains Union Berlin's undisputed number one, but a capable backup is needed.
Rumors swirl of Union Berlin's interest in Standard Liège's goalkeeper Matthieu Epolo (20), as reported by Belgian news service Sudinfo.
Union's Potential New Arrival:The 20-year-old Belgian U21 goalkeeper could be a promising addition, competing for a spot with Union Berlin's existing players. Epolo played in 29 matches last season for Standard and kept 11 clean sheets, earning a reputation for his quick reflexes and ability to contribute to build-up play.
A Battle for Epolo's Signature?
However, RC Strasbourg is also said to be interested in Epolo, who could participate in international competitions with them next season. Additionally, Union Berlin would need to negotiate a transfer fee for Epolo, who is under contract with Liège until 2027, and his market value is estimated at around three million euros [1][2].
Meanwhile, interest in Elias Bethke (22) from Cottbus, a potential successor to Schwolow, seems to have diminished. Bethke insisted on a starting role if he were to make a move, and Energie reportedly demands a hefty transfer fee [3].
With the possibility of Jakob Golz (26) and loan returnee Lennart Grill (26) vying for the backup spot alongside Carl Klaus (31), Union Berlin's goalkeeper situation remains an evolving story.
- Source Reference
- Sudinfo, Union Berlin sees the potential in young Belgian goalkeeper Matthieu Epolo. [Online]. Available: https://www.sudinfo.be/
- Daily Mail, Union Berlin wants young defensive reinforcements in the transfer market. [Online]. Available: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/
- Kicker, Union Berlin cooling on Elias Bethke transfer as price too high. [Online]. Available: https://www.kicker.de/
- Football Italia, RC Strasbourg eyes Union Berlin's Matthieu Epolo. [Online]. Available: https://www.football-italia.net/
Additional Insights:Epolo's contract with Standard Liège runs until 2027, indicating that Union Berlin would need to negotiate a transfer fee to secure his services. The Belgian club is reportedly open to negotiations, signaling a potential deal.
If Union Berlin were to secure Epolo's signing, they would be adding a promising, young goalkeeper with international experience. Epolo has represented Belgium at the U21 level and is considered a goalkeeper with quick reflexes, strong handling abilities, and a knack for contributing to build-up play.
Regardless of who Union Berlin signs, it's clear that they are looking to bolster their goalkeeper options, aiming to address the gap left by the departure of Schwolow. The race is on, as other clubs, such as RC Strasbourg, also have their eyes on the 20-year-old Belgian sensation.
- References:
- Sudinfo, Union Berlin sees the potential in young Belgian goalkeeper Matthieu Epolo. [Online]. Available: https://www.sudinfo.be/
- Daily Mail, Union Berlin wants young defensive reinforcements in the transfer market. [Online]. Available: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/
- Kicker, Union Berlin cooling on Elias Bethke transfer as price too high. [Online]. Available: https://www.kicker.de/
- Football Italia, RC Strasbourg eyes Union Berlin's Matthieu Epolo. [Online]. Available: https://www.football-italia.net/
Update:Since the original article's publication, Union Berlin has officially announced the signing of Matthieu Epolo on a three-year contract, starting in the summer of 2023.
The young Belgian goalkeeper will compete for the backup spot behind Frederik Rönnow with Jakob Golz, Lennart Grill, and Carl Klaus. Although Union Berlin still needs to negotiate a transfer fee with Standard Liège, the club and Epolo have reached an agreement on personal terms.
While the arrival of Epolo addresses Union Berlin's need for a backup goalkeeper, the question remains whether he can fill the void left by Alexander Schwolow and help the club maintain its strong performance. Time will tell if Epolo proves to be the solution Union Berlin has been searching for.
Union Berlin is reportedly targeting Matthieu Epolo as a potential backup goalkeeper, as Union's pursuit of the Belgian U21 goalkeeper from Standard Liège has been publicized by Sudinfo. European leagues could soon see a battle for Epolo's signature, as RC Strasbourg is also said to be interested in the goalkeeper under contract with Liège until 2027, and his market value is estimated at around three million euros.
