1. FC Union Berlin are strengthening the ranks of their women’s first team with the arrival of Fatma Sakar. The 24-year-old defender comes to Köpenick with 24 Bundesliga and 92 2. Liga games under her belt.

Bringing all her experience to Union

Until 2016 Sakar had worked her way through the youth ranks of SpVgg Durlach-Aue in her native city of Karlsruhe before joining second-division club TSG 1899 Hoffenheim II at the age of 17, quickly becoming a regular in Sinsheim. By 2020, the right-back had made 69 2. Liga appearances for Hoffenheim, scoring twice. Sakar also made 25 international appearances for various DFB junior teams between 2013 and 2018.

Due to her performances in the 2. Bundesliga, Sakar was signed by Bundesliga club SC Sand in the summer of 2020 and celebrated her debut in the top flight a few weeks later. The full-back made a total of 13 Bundesliga appearances that season. Then, after seven further appearances Sakar joined the then second-division club RasenBallsport Leipzig in the summer of 2022.

Sakar celebrated winning the second division title with Leipzig last season and with it securing promotion to the Bundesliga for the first time. She appeared in 23 of 26 league matches and set up four goals. She has made five Bundesliga appearances this season.

The views on the transfer

"I'm very happy to be able to play for Union, a big traditional club that is completely behind the women's and girls' section,” said a delighted Sakar on her move to the capital. “Through my performances, I want to help us confirm the great first half of the season and achieve our goal of promotion. The discussions with those responsible have absolutely convinced me and I'm looking forward to getting to know the team."

"We really wanted to strengthen the squad again in the winter, because there's no reason to let up,” said Union’s director of women’s and girls football, Jennifer Zietz, meanwhile. “I'm delighted that we were able to recruit Fatma. She brings an incredible amount of experience from the Bundesliga and the second division. I'm sure she'll integrate quickly and take on responsibility."