Once an Unioner, Always an Unioner:

1. FC Union Berlin bid Farewell to Five Players

With the end of the season approaching, it is once again time to say goodbye at 1. FC Union Berlin. Five players from the men's first team squad will leave the club in the summer – each of them having left their mark during their time in Köpenick.

Attacking midfielder Kevin Volland, goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, centre forward Andrej Ilic, midfielder Wooyeong Jeong and left-back Jerome Roussillon will all be moving to pastures new in the future.

Back to his roots – Kevin Volland returns to 1860 München

As previously announced, Kevin Volland will join his home club TSV 1860 München for the coming season. The 32-year-old came through all the youth teams at ‘die Löwen’, took his first steps in professional football there and is now returning. Since moving to Berlin-Köpenick, the experienced striker has played in 37 competitive matches for Union and has been directly involved in nine goals. With his professionalism, presence and experience, he has been an important driving force in difficult phases – both on and off the pitch.

Mr. Reliable between the posts and off the pitch – Alexander Schwolow bids farewell

After two seasons, Alexander Schwolow's time at 1. FC Union Berlin has come to an end. The goalkeeper joined the Alte Försterei from Hertha BSC in the summer of 2023. Always there when needed, the 6’3” goalkeeper impressed with good performances and as a committed team player. He kept six clean sheets in competitive matches for Union and was also an important part of the squad as a demanding training partner and experienced backup.

Goal threat on the rise – Andrej Ilic returns to Lille

Andrej Ilic was a dangerous and lively presence up front in the second half of the season. The 25-year-old Serbian, who joined on loan from OSC Lille last summer, played his way into the starting line-up with some strong performances after Christmas. Five goals in his last twelve games, including a brace in the historic 4-4 draw against VfB Stuttgart, underlined his qualities, particularly his heading ability from set pieces. With his loan spell coming to an end, the attacker is now returning to this year's Champions League participants from northern France.

South Korean whirlwind – Wooyeong Jeong's loan spell comes to an end

Like Ilic, attacking midfielder Wooyeong Jeong joined Union on loan in the summer of 2024, fresh from finishing runner-up with VfB Stuttgart. In only his third competitive game for Union, he scored his first goal in a Union shirt, and that at the Alte Försterei. Two more goals and two assists followed; Jeong impressed with his pace, agility and enthusiasm. Unfortunately, his strong runoff form came to an abrupt end when the nimble right-footer suffered an injury in Freiburg on matchday 27 and was ruled out for the rest of the season. Jeong will now return to Swabia at the end of his loan spell.

From the Caribbean to the Champions League – Jerome Roussillon bids farewell

Jerome Roussillon will also leave Union at the end of the season. The French left-back joined from VfL Wolfsburg in January 2023 and has since made 56 competitive appearances for Union, including four in the UEFA Champions League. In addition to his four assists, it was above all his commitment that set him apart. The 32-year-old always gave his all on the pitch and was appreciated off the pitch for his positive energy and good humour. The next chapter awaits him in the summer with the CONCACAF Gold Cup, which he will travel to with the Guadeloupe national team.

Thank you for your commitment – you will always remain a part of Union

Every one of these five players have contributed in their own way to the development and success of 1. FC Union Berlin. Union would like to thank them for their commitment, passion and the many shared moments and bid them farewell with the respect they deserve before the home game against 1. FC Heidenheim 1846. Jeong will unfortunately not be able to attend the farewell ceremony as he is currently undergoing rehabilitation in his home country following his injury.

Tags
Men's TeamSeason 2024/25Bundesliga