Defne Sarioglu has signed to play for the women's team of 1. FC Union Berlin, with the 17-year-old completing the goalkeeping trio for the 2023/24 season.

Sarioglu took her first steps towards professional football at her hometown club, VfR Aalen, before joining TSV Crailsheim from the fourth-tier Oberliga Baden-Württemberg last summer. It was there that Sarioglu made her debut in November 2022 at the age of 16. The talented goalkeeper also plays for the Turkish U-17 national team and made four international appearances last season.

"I'm really looking forward to being at Union in the coming season," said a delighted Sarioglu on her move to Köpenick. "It was not only the talks with those responsible, but also the goals of the club that convinced me to become a part of this club. I want to help them team with my previous experience and also prepare myself for the coming year with the Turkish U-19 national team through the intensive training sessions at Union. I hope for a positive and injury-free season."

"Defne is a young goalkeeper with a lot of potential who has already shown her skills in the Turkish U-17 national team,” said Union’s director of women’s professional football, Jennifer Zietz. “I am very excited that she is joining us and that we have completed our goalkeeper trio."