After one and a half years at Union, Aïssa Laïdouni is moving to play in Qatar. The central midfielder made 50 competitive appearances for 1. FC Union Berlin, including six in the UEFA Champions League.

From Montfermeil, via Berlin, to the Persian Gulf

The Franco-Tunisian, who was born in Montfermeil and matured into a professional in the youth ranks of SCO Angers, signed for Union in January 2023 from Hungarian club Ferencváros. In the second half of the 2022/23 season, the Tunisian international made 14 appearances in the Bundesliga, played in the first knock-out round of the UEFA Europa League against Ajax Amsterdam and the round of 16 against Royale Union Saint-Gilloise and also came on as a substitute DFB Pokal last 16 tie against VfL Wolfsburg.

Last season, Laïdouni made 23 appearances in the league and two in the cup, as well as featuring in all six UEFA Champions League matches. The 27-year-old scored two goals and contributed five assists during his time at Union.

The views on the transfer

"For me, the one and a half years at 1. FC Union Berlin were a very special time,” said Laïdouni, looking back on his time in Berlin-Köpenick. “I was able to experience an extraordinary phase and gained some unforgettable experiences, but I wanted another change in my career. My thanks go to all the Union fans and I wish the club all the best for the future."

Horst Heldt, director of men's professional football at 1. FC Union Berlin, said of the transfer, meanwhile, "When Aïssa joined us in the winter of 2023, he immediately brought his own touch to the game and didn't need any time to get used to it. Aïssa has always behaved in the interests of the team and given his all for our club. We wish him all the best and good health on his future journey."