While the Bundesliga hots up ahead of the final sprint in April and May, the planning is well underway for next season. 1. FC Union Berlin and defensive stalwart Robin Knoche have agreed to extend the player's contract at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. The 29-year-old's existing contract with the club was to expire at the end of the season.

Knoche has only missed one game since his transfer to 1. FC Union in 2020. The defender from Braunschweig has played 74 times for Union and scored two goals for the club — his first coming this season against Borussia Mönchengladbach. His second was equally important, helping to secure a derby victory at the Olympic Stadium and progression to the quarter-finals of the German Cup.

"I have felt very comfortable at Union right from the start," said the former Wolfsburg defender. "When you move to a new club for the first time after 15 years, you first have to get used to a lot of new things. Union made it very easy for me right from the start and gave me a great welcome. We managed to stay in the league again, we qualified for Europe and held our own in European competition. These moments and the very good discussions with those responsible at the club made my decision easy."

1. FC Union Berlin's Managing Director of Professional Football Oliver Ruhnert added: "The talks with Robin were goal-oriented from the start, as both sides wanted to continue on a common path. His experience, his willingness to perform and his consistent performances have made him a key member of our team. Robin should continue to be an essential component of our Bundesliga team in the coming years."