On Monday 1. FC Union Berlin announced that they'd captured the signature of SpVgg Greuther Fürth's Stephan Fürstner for the upcoming season.
The 27-year-old has been offered a two-year deal, with the option for a further year. The aforementioned extension option is performance based. It comes as a surprise; Fürstner is Fürth's longest serving player and, having been there since 2009, he's a key part of their side. "For me it was the most difficult sporting decision of my life," said the central midfielder, who has been an ever-present for the struggling Shamrocks this season.
"Still, I'm looking for a new athletic and mental challenge. This difficult year in the league, the failure in the relegation and in the current battle against relegation, has cost me a lot of strength," he added.
He did confirm that Fürth offered him a new deal, although the draw of a new challenge, Berlin and the chance to start afresh was too great to turn down. While it'll leave the Shamrocks disappointed, Union coach Norbert Düwel was understandably delighted: "A combative player who should give us defensive stability with his experience. He is also a hugely ambitious and experienced professional who has already proven his leadership qualities."
The two teams meet on matchday 29 at the Trolli-Arena, though Fürth's immediate concerns will be focused on beating Eintracht Braunschweig. The two teams face off this Saturday with the hosts just seven points above the relegation zone, a far cry from last year's promotion play-off drama.
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