By Milcah Tanimu
Union Berlin has secured a significant signing by bringing in Italy’s national team captain, Leonardo Bonucci, from Juventus. The Bundesliga club announced this move on Friday.
Bonucci, who arrives in the German capital on a free transfer, has reportedly signed a one-year deal with Union Berlin. He expressed his enthusiasm about joining the club and said, “At Union, I have the opportunity to continue playing at the highest level and to support the team on its way in three demanding competitions with my experience. I am very much looking forward to this new station in my career.”
The addition of Bonucci, a highly experienced center-back with 84 Champions League caps, will bolster Union Berlin as they prepare for their maiden Champions League campaign. He played in the finals of the competition in 2015 and 2017, representing Juventus.
Sporting director Oliver Ruhnert praised Bonucci’s qualities and experience, stating, “In Leonardo, we are signing a player with a lot of experience. He has proven his qualities over many years both nationally and internationally. We are convinced that with his mentality and his flexibility he will expand our possibilities in defence and raise us to another level once again.”
Bonucci, who was named Italian Footballer of the Year in 2016, boasts an impressive trophy cabinet, including nine Serie A titles, eight with Juventus and one with Inter Milan in the 2005-06 season.
Union Berlin, a club that was promoted to the Bundesliga for the first time in 2019, has been steadily improving its position in the league. Last season, they finished in fourth place, securing a spot in the Champions League.
Bonucci’s signing is part of Union Berlin’s ambitious summer recruitment campaign, which also includes players like Robin Gosens and Kevin Volland. The club has made notable additions to its squad, and Bonucci could potentially make his debut as soon as Sunday in Union’s home match against RB Leipzig.
