1. FC Union Berlin's Nicolai Rapp has signed for Darmstadt on a six-month loan deal.

The 23-year-old joined the club from Erzgebirge Aue in January 2019 and made four appearances in the calendar year. Rapp celebrated promotion to the Bundesliga this summer and will sign for Darmstadt to play regularly at the 2.Bundesliga club.

"I feel very comfortable at Union but for me it's important to have as much playing time as possible and continue to get experience at the highest level," said the defender. "In Darmstadt, I want to cement my place in the team, take the next steps and help the squad achieve their goals."

"There is no doubt that Nicolai has great potential," added Oliver Ruhnert, the club's managing director for professional football. "In order to continue to develop, he should now play regularly in the second division. That's why we see the loan to Darmstadt as a win-win situation for all parties involved. We wish Nicolai Rapp all the best for the second half of the season and look forward to seeing him back in Berlin this summer."

Rapp's deal runs until the end of the season and there is no option.