Union Berlin Activates Purchase Option for Andrej Ilic

Union Berlin has reportedly decided to exercise the purchase option for forward Andrej Ilic, securing his services on a long-term basis. According to media reports, the club will commit to a four-year contract for Ilic, extending until the summer of 2029, and will pay approximately five million euros to his former club, OSC Lille.

The 25-year-old attacker made a significant impact following a change in management at Union. Under the guidance of Steffen Baumgart, Ilic emerged as a key player, scoring all seven of his Bundesliga goals in the second half of the season. Prior to this, he had little involvement under the previous coach, Bo Svensson.

In addition to Ilic's transfer, Union Berlin is also reportedly close to finalizing a deal for Ilyas Ansah from SC Paderborn. The 20-year-old striker is expected to undergo a medical examination next week, with the transfer costing the club around four million euros plus additional bonuses. Ansah, a junior national team player, moved up from Paderborn's U19 squad to the professional team in the summer of 2023, and last season, he proved to be a valuable asset for the second-tier club, contributing with six goals and six assists.

These moves are part of Union Berlin's strategy to bolster their offensive lineup after a season where they struggled to score goals. The club aims to enhance their attacking capabilities ahead of the upcoming season.