1. FC Union Berlin have signed 28-year-old left-back Niko Gießelmann from Fortuna Düsseldorf. The defender has signed a contract which is valid for both Bundesliga and 2.Bundesliga competition.

The Hannover-born player suffered relegation at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei on the final day of the season with his colleagues from Düsseldorf. Gießelmann featured in 22 of Düsseldorf's 34 Bundesliga matches last season following a promotion-winning campaign for the club under the management of Friedhelm Funkel. Gießelmann started his career at Hannover but eventually moved on to Greuther Fürth where he played for four seasons before signing at Düsseldorf.

"I'm returning to the Alte Försterei faster than I thought and I'm looking forward to it. The relegation with Fortuna was a very painful moment for me. The fact that I now have the chance to continue to prove myself in the Bundesliga is a huge incentive. I'm convinced that I'm up to the task and I'll give everything to achieve the club's goals with my new colleagues," said the experienced left-back.

"With Niko, we have been able to sign a very versatile player with experience in the Bundesliga and we know about his quality. I'm sure that he will quickly find his feet with us and contribute with his experience," added Oliver Ruhnert, Director for Professional Football at 1. FC Union Berlin.