From the Wuhle to the Black Sea: Rick van Drongelen moves to Samsunspor 

1. FC Union Berlin and Rick van Drongelen are going their separate ways, with the defender having signed for the Turkish Süper-Lig promoted Samsunspor with immediate effect. 

A Tale of Two years, and Two Further Loans 

The 24-year-old van Drongelen joined Union in the summer of 2021, but was unable to establish himself in the squad during his time at the Alte Försterei, which is why the Dutchman then moved to KV Mechelen in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League for the second half of the 2021/22 season. Ten appearances followed for the club from Flanders, and only a hand injury prevented further games at the end of the season.  

Back at Union, the left-footer then moved further on to F.C. Hansa Rostock in the German 3^rd division in the summer of 2022. This time, nothing stood in the way of his desire for more match practice and minutes on the pitch, and he managed 23 appearances by the end of the last season. Then, in a battle of northern coastal clubs against Holstein Kiel, van Drongelen scored his first goal after three otherwise barren seasons.  

But as of now, the 18-time Dutch U-21 is back in red and white, if in the shirt of Samsunspor, and will try to help his club with their task of staying in the league, just as he did at his previous stop. 

The views on the move  

"Even though I wasn't able to perform as I had planned, I will have fond memories of the time and the people at Union,” said van Drongelen on his move. “I wish the club continued success, but personally I am very much looking forward to the new task in Turkey." 

Meanwhile Oliver Ruhnert, Union’s managing director of men’s professional football said, ""Rick developed well last year, he fought his way through and in the end also showed some good performances at Hansa Rostock. But due to the makeup of our current squad, we decided together with Rick that it is a good decision for him to take the next step. We therefore wish him all the best for the coming time in Turkey.