1. FC Union Berlin have given centre-back Mathis Bruns a professional contract. The 17-year-old has been part of the squad for pre-season training, and featured twice in the matchday squad last season.

Bruns will still get game time in the youth squad, but has made huge strides to get into the first-team squad and train alongside our experienced heads. He is currently part of the training camp group. Bruns was called up to Germany's U16 squad and played against the Czech Republic.

"Mathis has had the opportunity to prove himself in training with the professionals in recent weeks and has been able to develop enormously. He should now continue to have the opportunity to train under the best possible conditions in order to confirm this progress in the future," said Oliver Ruhnert, 1. FC Union Berlin's Managing Director for Professional Football.