Union Berlin have continued their summer transfer spree with the addition of Mainz midfielder, Levin Öztunali. The 25-year-old will leave Die Nullfünfer at the end of the season when his contract expires.
Levin Öztunali to Join Union Berlin in the Summer After Mainz Contract Expires
Fifth Summer Signing
Levin Öztunali will become Union Berlin’s fifth summer signing. Die Eisernen have already snapped up Rani Khedira and Paul Jaeckel before adding Keita Endo on a permanent basis.
Earlier this week, the Bundesliga outfit also signed Tymoteusz Puchacz from Lech Poznan for a reported club-record transfer fee.
What Levin Öztunali Will Bring to Union Berlin
Levin Öztunali arrives with a wealth of Bundesliga experience. The midfielder, who can play both centrally and on the right, has made over 120 appearances for Mainz since joining in 2016. During that time, the 25-year-old has scored 11 times and added 19 assists.
The midfielder began his senior career at Bayer Leverkusen and also spent 18-months on loan at Werder Bremen, where he added ten goal contributions from 46 appearances.
Öztunali has represented Germany at all youth levels from U15s to U21s, where he has racked up 75 appearances across the youth setup. He also won the U19 and U21 European Championships.
What Was Said
Speaking to the club’s official website, Öztunali said: “After five wonderful years at Mainz, I’m now looking forward to the new challenge at 1. FC Union Berlin.
“Union has shown in recent years what you can achieve with hard work and a great team spirit and how you can inspire people.
“I hope that spectators can soon be back at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei and that we can work together with the fans to ensure we stay in the league in the coming season.”
Oliver Ruhnert, the club’s Managing Director for Professional Football, added: “Levin Öztunali is at the perfect age in football and yet already has a lot of Bundesliga experience.
“He plays great in transition and will be able to make us even more variable in our style of play. That’s why we’re pleased that he was immediately enthusiastic about a move to Union and that we were able to sign him on a free transfer.”
Martin Schmidt, Mainz’s Sporting Director, was also full of praise ahead of his departure. Speaking to reporters for Bild, he said: “Levin is a fine person and footballer who has contributed to historic moments here in Mainz, such as the first Europa League group phase in the club’s history or the brilliant relegation this season.
“We would like to thank Levin for this and wish him all the best in his new challenge at Union. “
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