Union Berlin have made their second signing ahead of the new Bundesliga season with the addition of Greuther Fürth central defender, Paul Jaeckel.
The 22-year-old will see out the remainder of the 2. Bundesliga season with Die Kleeblätter, which could yet end in promotion to the top flight, and will join fellow new arrival Rani Khedira, who signed earlier this week.
Paul Jaeckel to Join Union Berlin From Greuther Fürth in the Summer
Second Summer Signing
After midfielder Rani Khedira agreed on a move earlier in the week, Union Berlin have acted quickly to snap up defender Paul Jaeckel.
The 22-year-old has had an impressive season with high-flying 2. Bundesliga outfit Greuther Fürth, scoring once from 20 league appearances. A hamstring injury saw the German miss the first two months of 2021 but he has recovered well to help second-placed Kleeblätter to a promotion push.
Similarly to the Khedira transfer, Jaeckel is out of contract in the summer, meaning Union have secured another wise investment.
Career So Far
Jaeckel came through the academy at Wolfsburg and made three senior appearances for the club in the Bundesliga before joining Greuther Fürth in 2018.
During his time in Fürth, Jaeckel has turned out 67 times across 2. Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal, scoring two goals. He has also represented Germany at U18, U19 and U21 level.
What Was Said
Speaking to the club’s official website, Jaeckel said: “I’m looking forward to Union and the Bundesliga. For me, the move means I have the chance to play in one of the best leagues in Europe.
“Union is a special club, is still very young in the Bundesliga, but have proven their quality. That’s my target: I want to do everything to become an important part of the team.”
Oliver Ruhnert, Managing Director for Professional Football at Union, added: “Paul has been developed really well and is a reflective young player who has already proven himself in the top half of the 2. Bundesliga.
“We are pleased to be able to win this talented player for us and trust him to take the next step in his career, now in the Bundesliga with us.”
Dirk Zingler to Remain as President
Between the two transfers, Union Berlin confirmed that President Dirk Zingler will stay at the club for another term. The 56-year-old has been with the Köpernick club since 2004 and has been a part of Union’s rise through the divisions to the Bundesliga.
Zingler is also hopeful of overseeing the expansion of the Stadion An der Alten Försterei to a 22,000 capacity as the club continues its growth.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Union’s president said: “We have challenging tasks ahead of us: Union’s establishment in the Bundesliga, the expansion of our stadium, the construction of the clubhouse, the new construction of the new youth academy with the aim of training Bundesliga players – all this will demand a lot of us and for this, we need the strength of the entire club.
“Therefore, I’m very pleased that the Supervisory Board has not only expressed its confidence in me, but that I can tackle these tasks with a well-established and proven team.
“Our claim is and remains to be successful as an independent, self-determined and self-confident football club and to make our voices heard in German football.”
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