Union Berlin have bolstered their defensive ranks by bringing Felix Uduokhai back to the Bundesliga from Beşiktaş, according to the club's announcement. The 28-year-old has agreed terms with the Köpenick club, although the length of his contract has not been disclosed.
The deal represents a homecoming of sorts for the former Germany Under-21 international, who previously spent four years with FC Augsburg before crossing into the Süper Lig. Beşiktaş had paid a reported €5 million to make his move from Augsburg permanent in 2024, and the defender went on to make 58 appearances across all competitions for the Turkish giants, registering one assist.
Union's sporting director Horst Heldt pointed to Uduokhai's blend of physicality and technical quality as key factors behind the move.
"Felix brings a profile with him that is not easy to find on the market. He is strong in duels, has good build-up play and knows the demands at a high level from many years in the Bundesliga as well as from a top club in the Süper Lig. We are convinced that he will give our defence important impulses," Heldt said.
Uduokhai began his professional career at 1860 Munich before moving to VfL Wolfsburg in 2017. He joined FC Augsburg initially on loan in 2019 and the club activated their purchase option the following summer, investing a reported €9 million in the centre-back. He went on to make 120 appearances for the Fuggerstädter and also earned selection for Germany's squad at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, where he started every match.
Standing at 1.93 metres, Uduokhai offers commanding aerial presence and has built a career on reading the game well rather than relying purely on pace. His left-footedness also gives Union's backline a natural balance that was lacking after the departure of Diogo Leite.
The defender had lost his regular starting berth at Beşiktaş during the most recent campaign, paving the way for his return to German football. Union were in the market for central defensive reinforcements after losing Danilho Doekhi to Lazio and seeing Leite depart on a free transfer.
The capital club have already added Marvin Friedrich and Zeno Van den Bosch to their backline this summer, with Uduokhai now becoming the latest arrival as they rebuild their defensive unit ahead of the new Bundesliga campaign.