1. FC Union Berlin's 22-year-old defender Lars Dietz has joined 3.Liga club Viktoria Köln on a loan deal until the end of the season.

Dietz moved to Köpenick in January 2018, a winter transfer from Borussia Dortmund's U23s. Last season, he played for Sportfreunde Lotte on loan before returning to Union this summer and going through pre-season with head coach Urs Fischer.

"I want to be on the pitch as often as possible, get some experience and gain responsibility. Of course it would have been my dream to play in the Bundesliga this season with Union, but for my personal development a year with more playing time is more important. That's why I'm looking forward to the year with Viktoria Köln," said Dietz.

"We folowed Lars Dietz's development closely last season. The very positive impressions we received were completely confirmed in pre-season. He is physically very present and also has development in terms of playing with the ball. With the current competition in our defence, it would have been difficult for him to get the required playing time. For Lars, there were several possibilities, including 2.Bundesliga, but for him it was crucial that he develops in the central defensive position. We are sure of his potential and see the loan to Viktoria Köln as a very good opportunity for his development," added Oliver Ruhnert, Director for Professional Football at 1. FC Union Berlin.