Winger Tim Skarke is leaving 1. FC Union Berlin to join the recently promoted Bundesliga side SV Darmstadt 98.

A return to his old stomping grounds

A regular player and top performer, the 26-year-old left his former (and new) employers SV Darmstadt 98 last summer to come to Köpenick. Having made six appearances in all competitions by January 2023, he was also part of head coach Urs Fischer's UEFA Europa League squad. Skarke did not manage to score any goals at Union, and the Heidenheim native moved on loan to league rivals FC Schalke 04 during the winter transfer period. There, he tried to prevent the relegation of the royal Blues over nine games, but was unable to do so despite scoring one goal and providing one assist.

His goal in the 5:2 win against Hertha BSC was awarded goal of the month in April 2023.

Skarke returns to Darmstadt, the club for whom he has already played 81 times between 2019 and 2022, contributing 13 goals and seven assists.

Views on the move

"Tim always puts himself at the service of the team and is an absolute attitude player," commented Union's director of men's professional football, Oliver Ruhnert on the loan. "To be able to prove himself again in the Bundesliga in Darmstadt is the right step for both sides. We wish him the greatest of luck and all the best."