Perfect End to the Transfer Window as Union Berlin Secure Ilić From Lille & Retain Key Players

With Union Berlin’s opening home game of the season only hours away, the club have moved quickly to secure the signing of Andrej Ilić from Lille, according to Sky Sports DE and Bild.

Union Berlin welcome newly promoted, St Pauli to Köpenick in the 20:30 kick-off tonight but that hasn’t stopped them from having a busy final deadline day.

Union have retained Robin Gosens and Danilho Doekhi after interest from across Europe and the Berlin side have gone one further today to sign Andrej Ilić from Lille.

Ilić joined Ligue 1, Lille from Norwegian side, Valerenga in February where he scored nine goals in his first 15 matches in Norway.

However, his time in France was hampered by injury.

The Serbian forward suffered a broken leg in his second official match and has since only made a few brief appearances.

The most recent was a cameo in the Champions League versus Slavia Praha.

The 24-year-old has a contract with Lille until 2027 and it is unclear whether Ilić will join Union Berlin on loan or by permanent transfer.

But Ilić has already joined up with Union Berlin and will be in the stadium tonight as Union kick off their Bundesliga campaign at the Alte Forsterei.

The news is a big boost to Head Coach, Bo Svensson who has been fighting to retain key figures, like Gosens and Doekhi, whilst strengthening his forward line.

Ilić will compete for a starting spot with Benedict Hollerbach, Kevin Volland, and Yorbe Vertessen.

He will be expected to hit the ground running but tonight, he can sit back and enjoy watching his new teammates from the stands.

GGFN | Oscar O’Mara