Union updates: FCU close in on Dutch defender, Oczipka's contract not to be renewed
Dutch newspaper "De Telegraaf" reports that 1. FC Union Berlin have out-maneuvered Europa League Finalists Glasgow Rangers in the quest to secure the services of Vitesse Arnhem captain Danilho Raimundo Doekhi.
Regarding deaptures at the Köpenick club, the FCU let it be known on Friday that wingback Bastian Oczipka would be released after the season.
According to reports from a reliable Dutch news sources, 1. FC Union Berlin are closing in on their third signing on a free transfer ahead of next season. Having already brought Janik Haberer (SC Freiburg) and Paul Seguin (SpVgg Greuther Fürth) in at zero cost, die Eiserenen are preparing to pick up 23-year-old Vitesse Arnhem center-halve Danilho Doekhi on an expiring contract.
Regarding deaptures at the Köpenick club, the FCU let it be known on Friday that wingback Bastian Oczipka would be released after the season.
The Dutch Erdevisie side's captain, who has an estimated market value of €3 million, was also courted by UEL Finalists Glasgow Rangers. "De Telegraaf" nevertheless reports that Union have gained the edge and are looking to close the deal quickly. The right-footer has tallied thrice in 28 appearances for club this year.
Union's strategy of bringing in players mostly on frees has unquestionably proved quite successful. The Köpenick club prepares for it's fourth consecutive season of top flight German football (and second consecutive year qualifying for Europe) next year. The FCU was promoted to the German top division for the very first time in the 2019/20 campaign.
As of yet, there is no official confirmation of the club's planned transfer splurge (in relative terms) for Fürth striker Jamie Leweling. The club will be waving goodbye to at least five players during their final fixture of the season Saturday at home. The departing Grischa Prömel will receive a send-off following his years of service to a club he has always strongly identified with.
Confirmation that long unused platers such as Anthony Ujah, Suleiman Abdullahi, and Jacob Busk would be leaving hardly came as a surprise. The Berlin club did provide clarity on the case of Bastian Oczipka's expiring contract on Friday. In a slight surprise for a left-wingback actually used by Urs Fischer semi-regularly this season, the 33-year-old's contract will not be renewed.