Union Berlin narrowly avoided relegation with a last-minute 2-1 victory over Freiburg. Now, they must analyze their rollercoaster season, which started in the Champions League and almost ended in the second division. Manager Oliver Ruhnert acknowledged the need for a thorough evaluation, stating, “We will not be naive; we will analyze this well and learn from it as we head into the new season.”
The club’s decision to invest in high-profile players like Isco, Bonucci, Gosens, and Volland did not yield the expected results. Despite their professionalism, these stars couldn’t elevate Union’s performance, with Bonucci leaving in under six months. As the club plans for a necessary overhaul, the long-term contracts and high salaries of these players pose financial challenges that may hamper the rebuilding process.
The future of players like Volland and Gosens remains uncertain, with potential transfers looming. Gosens, Union’s top scorer in the Bundesliga with six goals, has attracted interest from Italian clubs like Lazio Rom. However, securing a substantial transfer fee, similar to the one Union paid Inter Milan, remains questionable. Amidst reflections on a tumultuous season, Gosens expressed gratitude to the fans for their support, hinting at the possibility of a departure from Union.
