From the Academy to the Pro’s:
Union Give Andrik Markgraf a Professional Contract
1. FC Union Berlin continue the focus on their own youth with the signing of Andrik Markgraf to a professional contract. The 19-year-old left-back is from Berlin and has been wearing the red-and-white of Union since 2016. He most recently impressed as a regular in the U19 team.
Talented and lively
Markgraf has made 57 competitive appearances for Union’s youth teams so far, including four matches in the UEFA Youth League against the academy sides of Real Madrid, SSC Napoli and SC Braga. The full-back is also no stranger to attacking, scoring four goals himself and setting up four more.
Before joining Union's youth team in the summer of 2016, he trained at SC Eintracht Miersdorf/Zeuthen 1912 e.V. and then played for all of Köpenick's youth teams from the U12s onwards. He also moved into the Ironers' boarding school in 2022. In addition to his sporting education, he attended the partner school of 1. FC Union Berlin, the Flatow-Oberschule from the 7th year and successfully completed his Abitur two months ago.
Reactions to the contract signing
"I am grateful for the trust the club has placed in me and proud to be able to take this step. Union has been my sporting home for many years, and I have learned a lot here that has shaped me as a player and as a person. Now, getting the chance to be part of the professional team means a lot to me. I know that I still have a lot of work ahead of me, but I am looking forward to continuing on this path in the Union shirt," said Andrik on his new deal.
‘Andrik has developed well in recent years and earned his place in the extended squad of licensed players. We want to give him the opportunity to continue learning in our environment, to get a feel for the professional level and to gain experience step by step,’ said Horst Heldt, director of men’s professional football at 1. FC Union Berlin.