Confirmed: Laïdouni signs with Union
Second-placed Bundesliga side 1. FC Union Berlin confirmed their second major singing of the week on Friday afternoon.
| Aïssa Laïdouni | 1. FC Union Berlin |
The 28-times-capped international was voted the "Tunisian Footballer of the Year" by state news agency "TAP" in his home country. Union Berlin reportedly outpaced several other notable clubs such as Olympique Marseille and Celtic Glasgow for the players services. Hertha BSC and SC Freiburg were also linked with the talent.
"Aïssa's qualities have been known to us for some time," FCU manager Oliver Ruhnert commented in a statement accompanying the signing, "His box-to-box play, intensity and understanding of the game will help us further enhance our game."
"As a professional footballer, you want to compete at the highest level, preferably in one of the best football leagues in the world," the player himself added, "That's why I'm really looking forward to proving my qualities now in the Bundesliga. From everything I've heard and seen so far, Union is a family-oriented club, but also an ambitious one. I'm convinced I'll fit in well here and will give everything to be successful with Union."
Laïdouni's capture could mean that, as reported, Union are preparing to offload Japanese buttressing attacker Genki Haraguchi. The two players fulfill similar roles. The Tunisian can thrive either as a six or an eight. Laïdouni generally paired with Köln midfielder Ellyes Skhiri for the Tunisian national team in the recently completed World Cup. He notched an assist against France in the third group stage game.
Bonjour Aigle de Carthage 🦅🇹🇳 pic.twitter.com/g1em5VRzqv
— 1. FC Union Berlin (@fcunion) January 27, 2023
