Kicker Report: Union consider two cheaper alternatives to Gosens at left back
Germany's preeminent footballing publication links newly crowned German Champions' League representatives 1. FC Union Berlin with two transfer targets aimed at shoring up the left-back position.
As part of their summer upgrade, Champions' League bound 1. FC Union Berlin are reportedly considering a pair of players as economical options. While the procurement of German national team left-back Robin Gosens would certainly count as a major blockbuster coup, the Inter defender would not come cheap.
Germany's preeminent footballing publication, Kicker Magazine, reports that Union are actually considering Ivorian left-back Souleyman Doumbia of relegated French side Angers SCO. The 26-year-old - a fast and dynamic option valued at around €3 million - could be procured on a free off an expiring contract.
Kicker brings another, more familiar name, into the discussion as well. Former 1. FC Köln and German youth international Ismail Jakobs has often been linked with a return to the Bundesliga. The current Senegalese international admitted that he could foresee returning to the country of his birth in a recent interview.
Jakobs - still under contract with AS Monaco and valued at €7 million - would obviously constitute a more expensive investment for the Köpenickers, but the price still shouldn't be too much of an issue for Oliver Ruhnert and the club's front office. Ostensibly, Ruhnert has received extra funds from the club's board.
The departure of Niko Gießelmann (on an expiring contract) means that Union have only Jerome Roussillon to rely upon at the left-back position. Die Eisernen also immediately loaned their only other option, Tymoteusz Puchacz, back out earlier today. It might well be the case that Union acquire both targets mentioned in the Kicker reports.