1. FC Union Berlin are loaning central defender Mathis Bruns to Serie A club US Lecce in Italy for 18 months. Bruns is the current captain of Union's oldest youth team.

From Bielefeld to Berlin, to the beautiful baroque of Lecce

Having spent ten years in Union’s own youth development system, the Bielefeld born Bruns was rewarded with a professional contract in the summer of 2021. Nevertheless, Bruns remained an important pillar in both Union’s B and A youth sides. 

Now, the six foot three centre-back is travelling to the Adriatic where Bruns is to gain valuable playing time and experience in one of Europe’s top five leagues. The recently promoted Lecce have been plagued by a number of injuries at centre-back of late, and the signing of Bruns is expected to remedy precisely this predicament.

The view of the deal

"For Mathis, the loan to Lecce means taking a new path in a different environment and gaining experience. We think this is currently the best way to help Mathis achieve a professional career," said Unions director of professional football Oliver Ruhnert.