- Late-minute transfer involving Gosen leads to Union Berlin's frustration
Sometimes, the world of football can be cutthroat. Especially in the closing moments of the transfer window, when athletes switch teams at the eleventh hour, the tension is high. Occasionally, these transitions fall through due to minor issues, errors, or a sudden change of heart. However, this wasn't the case for Robin Gosens, who was sent from 1. FC Union Berlin to AC Florence just before the transfer deadline. This unexpected shift was a shock for Gosens.
In fact, throughout the day, everyone thought that Gosens would remain in Berlin. The team had a luncheon together ahead of an evening match against FC St. Pauli, and Coach Bo Svensson was expecting Gosens to play. But, unexpectedly...
Everyone assumed: Robin Gosens would feature that night
Later, when Svensson gathered the team for the match, Gosens was undergoing a final fitness examination. He passed, but by then, it was evident that the record signing and top scorer from the previous season was already gone, at least temporarily. "It was a truly bizarre day," Svensson concluded.
The team was perplexed. After their 1-0 victory against FC St. Pauli's newcomers, captain Rani Khedira spoke out. "I have to be honest: it's a catastrophe," Khedira, 1. FC Union Berlin's captain, declared on DAZN. "Those smart people should also consider that we are not just footballers, but human beings as well." He had previously been asked about the team's reaction to Gosens' sudden departure.
Gosens himself seemed emotional, as Khedira explained. "During lunch, it was clear that he was staying with us, that he was playing. And then two hours later, after his nap, we learned that it would happen like this," Khedira described the sudden reversal on Friday. "When you have to take that on game day, I find that strange."
Gosens wanted to return to Italy
It's worth noting that Gosens had been pushing for the transfer. However, it was only confirmed at the last minute, which was clearly not anticipated beforehand. It was a stressful moment for everyone involved.
According to Union's managing director Horst Heldt, Gosens moved to Tuscany due to personal reasons. "He had always told us that he would switch if the opportunity arose," Heldt said, acknowledging that several teams had shown interest in Gosens, who had previously excelled at Atalanta Bergamo and Inter Milan. "And it also doesn't make sense to keep a player who isn't fully committed." Typically, Union does not disclose the specifics of any transfer deals.
Even though the transfer took everyone by surprise on the final day of the transfer window, Union was prepared. They had already signed Tom Rothe from Borussia Dortmund II to replace Gosens. The 19-year-old made his Union debut and immediately stepped into Gosens' role. "He had a rough first half hour," said Svensson of Rothe's maiden Union game. "He managed to settle down in the second half, and we're looking forward to working with him."
Gosens is now seeking a revival of his career in Italy. With Florence, which qualified for the Conference League group stage the previous day, the tears may soon dry up.
Source material from DPA
In light of the sudden transfer, Coach Svensson had to make last-minute adjustments, saying, "I'm not going to sugarcoat it, it was a difficult situation." Facing the media after the game, Khedira lamented, "I'm not going to hold back, this is truly unfortunate for the team."
