The 26-year-old central defender Timo Baumgartl will be part of 1. FC Union Berlin's squad next season after extending his loan agreement from PSV Eindhoven for another year.

Baumgartl was a key feature in Urs Fischer's team last season as Union secured a fifth-placed finish in the Bundesliga and qualification for the UEFA Europa League. The defender formed a strong defensive partnership with Robin Knoche and Paul Jaeckel and was named 11th best central defender in the Bundesliga by magazine Kicker. Shortly before the end of the campaign, Baumgartl found a tumour on his testicle which was successfully removed by surgery a few days later.

Timo can continue to count on Union's support through his recovery.

"I felt very comfortable at Union right from the start and not only took the club and its people, but also the city, to my heart. I'm looking forward to the rest of our time together and will try to get back on the pitch as soon as possible," said the defender following his contract extension.

"Timo has shown in his first season how important he is for our defence. Therefore, the extension of the loan makes sense for us from a footballing point of view alone. In addition, we want to support Timo as best we can on his way and are confident that he will make a full recovery," added Oliver Ruhnert, 1. FC Union Berlin's Managing Director for Professional Football.