1. FC Union Berlin have secured the services of midfielder Alex Král for the new season. Most recently on loan at FC Schalke 04, the 25-year-old Czech international was previously under contract with Spartak Moscow.  

Born in Slovakia - Raised in the Czech Republic  

Král began his career at the Czech clubs SK Moravská Slavia Brno and FC Zbrojovka Brno, when in 2012 the right-footed holding midfielder moved to the academy of seven-time Czech champions, Slavia Prague.  

By 2017, the Košice, Slovakia, born Král had worked his way up to Slavia's second team. A move to league rivals FK Teplice in the winter of 2017 was followed two years later by a move back to Prague where he became a regular starter.   

Five Clubs spanning Four countries  

Just seven months later, in September 2019, he took the next big step in his career as he joined Spartak Moscow. 60 games and two years later came the next move, this time on loan to West Ham United in the English Premier League. After only six appearances in East London, the 1.86m tall Král returned to Moscow in the summer of 2022, again moving straight on to the Bundesliga this time, and the recently promoted FC Schalke 04. In 31 appearances for the Royal Blues, he was an important part of a side that, following an impressive second half of the season, still had a chance of staying in the league by its final day, but were ultimately relegated back to the 2. Liga.  

Alongside his two championships and a cup win with Slavia Prague, the midfielder has made 35 appearances for the senior Czech national team, with whom he also took part in the 2021 European Championships. He has scored two goals in for his country so far.   

Three facts about Alex:  

- In the 2018/19 Europa League last 16 first leg, he scored a sensational goal against FC Sevilla with his shoulder, stood with his back to goal.  

- He was selected in the team of the tournament at the 2017 U-19’s European Championship.

- He made his debut for the national team in a friendly against Brazil on 26/03/2019.

The views on the transfer 

"The move to Union is an important step for me,” said Král, on his move to Köpenick. “Having already got to know the Bundesliga last season, I'm sure it won't be difficult for me to settle in. Union's development over the last few years has been incredible and is very impressive. I am very much looking forward to the joining the team, and the club."  

Oliver Ruhnert, Union's managing director for professional football, meanwhile, is pleased about the reinforcement for the midfield, saying, "In Alex Kral, we are getting a regular Czech international, who will fit in well with us due to his intense style of play, his technical skills and his mentality, and one we are very much looking forward to!"