Official | Union Berlin add second Swiss reinforcement with Kastriot Imeri signing | OneFootball

Union Berlin have officially completed the signing of Swiss international Kastriot Imeri from Young Boys Bern, handing new head coach Mauro Lustrinelli one of his preferred attacking targets. Kicker reports Union will pay approximately €2.5m for a player whose Young Boys deal had been due to expire next summer.

Get German Football News reported over the weekend that Union were closing in on an agreement for Imeri, with the Swiss attacker having emerged as a specific request from Lustrinelli. The pair now reunite in the Bundesliga after enjoying considerable success together in Switzerland.

Lustrinelli reunites with former Thun pupil

Imeri spent last season on loan at FC Thun, where he worked under the current Union trainer and played an important role in the club’s surprise Swiss championship triumph. The versatile attacker contributed six goals and eight assists during the title-winning campaign.

Their connection stretches back even further. Lustrinelli previously handed Imeri his Switzerland U21 debut, and contact between the two reportedly remained intact in the years that followed. That relationship ultimately played an important role in Imeri’s decision to move to Köpenick.

Imeri arrives as another Swiss international following the recent acquisition of Michel Aebischer. The new signing can operate centrally between the lines or from either attacking flank. He appears particularly comfortable cutting inside from the left onto his stronger right foot and possesses a notable threat from distance.

His technical qualities and positional flexibility should provide Lustrinelli with another creative option in an attack still undergoing significant reconstruction.

Statements on Kastriot Imeri’s Union Berlin move

“An important reason for my move is working with Mauro,” Imeri said in Union’s official statement. “We worked well together in Switzerland. Now I’m looking forward to getting to know the team and the club.”

“Kastriot is a strong player,” FCU Managing Director for Sport Horst Heldt added. “He can perform many different roles in attack. He has received a good footballing education and possesses plenty of experience from Swiss football.

“He has often demonstrated his talent. We believe he will make our game more creative. Since he has already worked successfully with Mauro, he should settle in quickly and be able to show his qualities.”

GGFN | Peter Weis