In Leonardo Bonucci, Union Berlin add experience and another dimension to the art of defending

On deadline day, Union Berlin signed Leonardo Bonucci. Although already 36, the defender becomes the first true world star in Köpenick and could become a key piece for a successful 2023/24 season

Kevin Volland, Robin Gosens, Brenden Aaronson, David Datro Fofana, and Leonardo Bonucci. Although Union Berlin continue their transfer policy of signing an army of players (12 new signings this year) with the hope of at least some of them working out, the four names mentioned signify that things are changing at Die Alten Försterei.

Sure, Volland, Gosens, Aaronson, Fofana, and Bonucci remain paired with unlikely finds like Kevin Behrens. Signed from SV Sandhausen in 2021, Behrens has scored four goals in three Bundesliga games this season. Also, there are still chance signings like Benedict Hollerbach and Mikkel Kaufmann in that squad. Both arrived from Wiesbaden and Copenhagen via Karlsruhe respectively and, with a little luck, could join the long list of Union Berlin players that have significantly increased their profile after being scouted by the club—or, worst case, get moved on without much drama.

As pointed out in the past on Gegenpressing, growing organically on the transfer market, is a big part of Union Berlin’s overall strategy. But amidst all the summer signings, one player stood out: 2020 European Championship winner Leonardo Bonucci.