1. FC Union Berlin have secured the services of Lucas Tousart, wit the French midfielder moving to the Alte Försterei from Hertha BSC.

An early move, and a young career starts

At the age of six, Lucas Tousart moved from the north to the south of France where in Rignac, and the local clubs JS du Pays Rignacois and US Pays Rignacois, the youngster learned the basics of football. He continued his sporting education from 2010 at Rodez AF.

Then, three years later, the path of the multiple French junior international pointed BACK north towards FC Valenciennes. There the then 17-year-old celebrated his debut in French professional football and became a key player, playing in 18 Ligue 2 matches for his team.

Seven-time French champions Olympique Lyon came calling in the 2015/16 season, signing Tousart but initially using him predominantly at youth level in the UEFA Youth League. In the following 2016/17 season, the right-footer earned a regular place in the first team, something he would hardly relinquish for the coming few seasons. Tousart's time in France's third-largest city came to an end having made 165 appearances for Olympique in Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and Coupe de la Ligue, as well as in the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League. 

Lucas also won the U19 European Championship with France's U19s in 2016. As captain, he was also voted in the "Team of the Tournament". 

Berlin calling

An undisputed regular at OL, performing superbly, with possible stints in the famous Équipe Tricolore in sight, Tousart ultimately answered the call from the German capital in the winter of the 2020/21 season when he moved to Hertha BSC in the Bundesliga. The club from Charlottenburg had his signature, but loaned him back to Lyon for the upcoming second half of the season. But in his subsequent three years in blue and white, Lucas played 96 games in the Bundesliga, the relegation play-off and the DFB Pokal, in which he contributed nine goals and five assists. 

Three facts about Lucas:

• His full name is Lucas Simon Pierre Tousart.
• Lucas took part in the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo with France's Olympic team.
• With five goals, Lucas was Hertha's third best scorer in the past Bundesliga season.

Views on the transfer:

"Union’s journey and success in recent years has been remarkable, and I am looking forward to the new challenge,” said Tousart, delighted to be staying Berlin. “I expect to settle in quickly at the club and contribute to Union's success."

"Lucas is a seasoned player with a lot of experience, both nationally and internationally,” said Union’s managing director of men’s professional football, Oliver Ruhnert, meanwhile. “A player of his quality is an asset to any team. We are pleased that we were able to convince him to join us."