Kicker reports that FC Union Berlin are working on the signing of experienced Swiss international Michel Aebischer as the Köpenick club seek another option for their central midfield. The German magazine claims that Union have opened negotiations with Pisa over the 29-year-old, who only became a permanent member of the Italian club this summer following an initial loan spell from Bologna.
Union have reportedly offered approximately €3m for Aebischer. Despite reports from Italy suggesting that a deal may already be close, Kicker stresses that the two sides remain some distance from reaching an agreement. Negotiations are nevertheless ongoing. Sport Bild and Swiss outlet Blick also report that Union are currently well positioned in the race for Aebischer. According to Bild, the midfielder has already rejected approaches from other Bundesliga and Italian clubs in favour of a potential move to Köpenick.
Union Berlin seek midfield reinforcement
Aebischer would provide Union with considerable experience in central midfield. The 44-times-capped Switzerland international featured at the recent World Cup and has accumulated extensive experience in Italy since leaving Young Boys for Bologna. Aebischer initially joined the Tuscan club from Bologna on loan in August 2025. The agreement contained an obligation to buy that became active once certain conditions were fulfilled.
According to Blick, the clause was tied to Aebischer reaching 25 appearances. He ultimately featured 35 times, ensuring that Pisa were required to complete the permanent transfer. The Swiss midfielder consequently became a Pisa player on July 1 and remains under contract through 2029. Pisa’s relegation to Serie B could nevertheless lead to an immediate departure.
Aebischer reportedly has little interest in spending the coming campaign in Italy’s second tier, potentially providing Union with an opportunity to bring another experienced international to the Bundesliga.
What could a potential deal mean for Rani Khedira?
Union’s pursuit comes amid renewed questions concerning the future of established midfield leader Rani Khedira. Get German Football News reported on Monday that 1. FC Köln are exploring a move for Khedira. Köln are currently discussing a potential transfer with the 32-year-old’s professional representation, though no negotiations between the two Bundesliga clubs have yet taken place.
There is consequently no indication at present that Union’s pursuit of Aebischer should be interpreted directly as preparation for Khedira’s departure. The two players would also offer different midfield profiles. Khedira has established himself as one of Union’s primary defensive stabilizers and leadership figures, while Aebischer could provide more creativity and technical quality in central areas.
Aebischer has regularly operated both as a conventional central midfielder and in more advanced roles throughout his career. Should Union eventually reach an agreement with Pisa, the Swiss international would therefore give the Köpenick club another experienced option capable of altering the composition of their midfield rather than simply replacing one player.
Union’s €3m proposal has established the basis for negotiations, but Kicker’s latest information makes clear that an agreement with Pisa is not yet imminent.
