Reliable on either side

Fresh from winning the third-place playoff at the 2022 World Cup, the Croatian right-footed Juranovic joined 1. FC Union Berlin in January 2023 and immediately convinced both the club's management and the fans that it was the right decision for everyone involved. Just 72 hours after his transfer, he was in the starting line-up for the Bundesliga game, away at SV Werder Bremen, played the full 90 minutes and set up Kevin Behrens' winning goal with a pinpoint corner.

He showed his class again in the DFB Pokal tie against VfL Wolfsburg a few days later, helping secure Union’s progress to the next round with his assist for the equaliser. The next big highlight of his still young Union career was to come just three weeks later when, in the much-celebrated 3-1 win against Ajax Amsterdam in the first knock-out round of the UEFA Europa League, the 40-time Croatian international scored to give the hosts a 2-0 lead and then shortly afterwards provided the assist for Danilho Doekhi's decisive third.

Indispensable for the team and tactics

Since joining Union, the versatile wing-back has already played in 62 competitive matches, scoring four times and adding six assists, and gaining valuable experience in the Bundesliga, in the Cup as well as in Europe.

Reactions to the extension

"Union and Berlin have become a real home for my family and me,” said a delighted Juranović on the signing of his new contract. “I have experienced highs and lows with the club, and the last two seasons in particular have been very challenging. As a team, we have managed to stay in the Bundesliga, so I am looking forward to continuing to play my part in the future. We want to establish ourselves further in the league and deliver more unforgettable games for our fans.”

Horst Heldt, Director of Professional Football at 1. FC Union Berlin, added: “In Josip, we are retaining an important player who plays a central role with his experience and flexibility. We are therefore delighted that he wants to continue on this journey with us.”