Just as with last season when he went to KV Mechelen, 1. FC Union are sending Rick van Drongelen out on loan, with the 23-year-old centre-back heading to FC Hansa Rostock.

More match practice in the Hanseatic Port

After his return from Belgium, van Drongelen completed the entire pre-season with the Union. In Bad Saarow as well as in Neukirchen am Großvenediger, the Dutchman was an ever present and was able to rack up valuable time on the pitch of play in the warm-up matches. The loan deal should provide van Drongelen with much more match practice this season.

"Rick should gain match practice and stay in rhythm. That's why we consider a loan to the 2nd Bundesliga to be very important for his further development," said Oliver Ruhnert, Union's director of professional football, commenting on the loan deal.