Union sign Tousart from city rivals Hertha - fans can understand the transfer

A lot has already happened at 1. FC Union Berlin in terms of squad planning. Oliver Ruhnert, the club's sporting director, has already announced the signings of Mikkel Kaufmann, Alex Kral, Brenden Aaronson and David Fofana, among others (FanQ reported). Lucas Tousart, Alexander Schwolow and Benedict Hollerbach are three more additions to the squad of the Champions League participants. FanQ asked football fans in Germany about the Köpenickers' three most recent transfers.

Despite Schwolow signing: Supporters still see Rönnow as number one

Union Berlin announced the signing of Lucas Tousart from city rivals Hertha BSC last week. The centre midfielder, who has appeared in 89 Bundesliga matches for the relegated Bundesliga side over the past three years, scoring twelve goals (eight goals, four assists), will reportedly move to the Alte Försterei for a transfer fee of three million euros.

"Union's journey and success in recent years have been remarkable and I'm looking forward to the new challenge. I assume that I can quickly settle in at the club and contribute to Union's success," the 26-year-old is quoted as saying on the 'Eisernen' club website.

To mark the occasion, FanQ asked German football fans whether they could understand the transfer of the Frenchman from a Union perspective. 71.87 % of the survey participants believe that Oliver Ruhnert and Co. had to strike at this price, while only 15.13 % of the respondents cannot understand the transfer, as the surprise team of the previous season is already well-staffed in this position.

Alexander Schwolow also joins from local rivals Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf. The goalkeeper cancelled his contract with Hertha shortly beforehand by mutual agreement and is therefore moving to the Alte Försterei on a free transfer. The 31-year-old comes to Köpenick with the recommendation of 199 Bundesliga appearances for SC Freiburg, Hertha BSC Berlin and FC Schalke 04.

"Alex is a seasoned Bundesliga goalkeeper. Despite his recent difficult situation, he was quick to accept the challenge of Union in order to regain his former strength. With the necessary patience, we are sure that he will succeed and increase our options," commented Union's managing director Oliver Ruhnert on the transfer of the keeper, who was not always uncontroversial at Schalke and Hertha.

In this context, FanQ asked supporters in Germany whether Schwolow has any hopes of playing for head coach Urs Fischer's team. However, 76.89 % of respondents think that Frederik Rönnow will continue to keep goal for Berlin. Only 15.13 %, on the other hand, believe that the new signing will quickly recommend himself for the starting line-up and therefore believe that the 31-year-old will not have to wait too long for his 200th Bundesliga game.

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Furthermore, the majority of football fans in Germany believe that Hertha BSC made the right decision to terminate the goalkeeper's contract, which runs until 2025. According to a FanQ survey, 82.61 % of fans believe that Schwolow earns too much and performs too little. Only around one in ten respondents (9.57 %) think that he could have played an important role.

Hertha sporting director Benjamin Weber said: "We discussed the situation openly with Alex and have tried to find a solution together over the past few weeks. We have now succeeded in doing so."

In addition, 1. FC Union Berlin has prevailed in the poker game for Benedict Hollerbach. The son of former Bundesliga professional Bernd Hollerbach is moving from SV Wehen Wiesbaden, who were promoted from the second division, to the 'Eisernen' and will reportedly cost a transfer fee of two million euros. The attacking all-rounder played a total of 96 third-division games for the Hessians and was involved in 32 goals (18 goals, 14 assists).

The 22-year-old is looking forward to his new role: "The move to Union fulfils my dream of playing in the Bundesliga. That was always my goal and now I want to do everything I can to continue my development successfully and put myself at the service of the team.

Among football fans in Germany, however, there is disagreement as to whether the transfer of the right-footer to the capital city club is the right move. 36.61 % of those who took part in the survey are convinced that the talent can also prove himself in the Champions League. 48.21 % of respondents, on the other hand, deny that he has the quality to do so.

Ultimately, it remains to be seen how quickly the surprising premier class contender can integrate all the new additions and whether coach Urs Fischer's team will be able to maintain the good performances of the previous season in the coming season.