'Discontent Arises': The Gosen Switch Sparks Unhappiness within the EU Community
The abrupt departure of footballer Robin Gosens from 1. FC Union Berlin straight on matchday has left Köpenickers feeling disappointed. Captain Rani Khedira voiced his strong opinions on the matter, stating, "I must admit, it's a disaster." His shock was evident as the decision was announced just before the home game against FC St. Pauli (1:0), at the tail end of Germany's transfer window. Gosens is now loaned to AC Florence in Italy's Serie A.
Upon achieving certain milestones, a purchase obligation becomes applicable. As per media reports, this is the case if Florence qualifies for an international competition, which they've managed to do for three consecutive times. The buyout sum then reportedly stands at 7.5 million euros.
Khedira pleaded with the "clever people" to consider the fact that footballers are humans as well. "Robin almost had tears in his eyes," he said, describing Gosens as "completely distraught." Khedira revealed that Gosens had expressed his intention to stay and play, only to be informed of the transfer just a couple of hours later. Gosens had joined Union Berlin last year for 13 million euros, but had rarely impressed during the almost-relegation season and missed out on the home EURO. Rumors of a potential move had surfaced earlier in the summer, but recent speculation suggested he'd stay on.
"Extremely difficult for a team"
From a timing perspective, this wasn't ideal for the team. "If this is done on matchday, I find that strange," Khedira added. "Either it happens after the matchday, or clearly before the matchday. But not during the matchday itself. That's really, really difficult for a team." Gosens had previously spent time in Italy between 2017 and 2023, first with Atalanta Bergamo for four and a half years, and then with Inter Milan, who bought him for around 27 million euros in 2022.
It was only the business manager, Horst Heldt, who announced Gosens' departure just before the game. "Until 4:10, I believed Robin would be on the pitch today, playing. Then the news came, and we had to act upon it," Heldt explained the sequence of events on a Friday afternoon.
Coach Bo Svensson described this as "a very, very strange day," having to relinquish a player three and a half hours before kick-off. "You can argue that they're professionals and should deal with it," he stated. However, the team's strategies had to be revised "in a matter of minutes," which he acknowledged, "obviously isn't easy."
Gosens' sudden departure on matchday was also a blow to the team's morale in their soccer matches. With Gosens being a key player who had spent time in Italy before, losing him just before the game against FC St. Pauli was particularly challenging.
Khedira also mentioned that Gosens' emotional state was affected by the transfer news, adding another layer of difficulty for the team. "Seeing Robin so devastated made it even harder for us," he admitted.
