Union Berlin signs Swiss midfielder Michel Aebischer from Pisa for 3.5 million euros

Terms of the transfer to Köpenick

1. FC Union Berlin completed the signing of Swiss international midfielder Michel Aebischer on Wednesday, 19 August 2026. The 29-year-old midfielder joins the Bundesliga club from Italian side Pisa SC on a three-year contract running through summer 2029. Union Berlin agreed to pay a transfer fee of 3.5 million euros plus potential bonus payments to secure his signature. Pisa had triggered an appearance-based obligation to buy Aebischer from Bologna earlier in the summer for an estimated 4.5 million euros before dropping into Serie B. Aebischer chose to leave the Tuscan club following that relegation to continue his top-flight career in Germany.

Union is a club with a clear identity and special values. In discussions with the club management, I quickly felt the importance of cohesion and team spirit here. After stints in Switzerland and Italy, I am now looking forward to the Bundesliga and to contributing my experience here. I want to take responsibility on and off the pitch and experience a successful time together with the team.

Reunion with Mauro Lustrinelli

The move reunites Aebischer with head coach Mauro Lustrinelli, who took charge of Union Berlin this summer after winning the Swiss championship with FC Thun. Lustrinelli previously managed the midfielder during his tenure with the Switzerland Under-21 national squad and pushed directly for the transfer. Union management moved quickly after advanced negotiations during the previous week to finalize personal terms and medical assessments. Managing director Horst Heldt pointed to Aebischer's tactical discipline and steady output across top European competitions.

Michel is a very intelligent and versatile midfielder who has consistently performed at a high level over many years. He brings international experience, leadership qualities, and high tactical discipline. With his style of play, he gives a team balance and stability, while also possessing the quality to set attacking impulses. We are very pleased that he is joining us.

Track record in Switzerland and Italy

Aebischer developed through every youth rank at Young Boys Bern before making his Swiss Super League debut in 2016. Between 2018 and 2021, he won four consecutive Swiss league championships as well as the Swiss Cup with the Bern club. He moved to Italy in 2022, accumulating 138 appearances across four seasons for Bologna and Pisa. During the 2024–2025 campaign, the 1.83-meter midfielder won the Coppa Italia with Bologna. At international level, Aebischer has earned 44 caps for Switzerland since his senior debut in 2019, appearing in four matches at the World Cup in North America where Switzerland reached the quarter-finals.

Squad building for the season opener

Aebischer becomes the fifth arrival at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei during the summer transfer window. Union previously added defender Marvin Friedrich from Borussia Mönchengladbach, Zeno Van Den Bosch from Royal Antwerp, striker Emmanuel Latte Lath on loan from Atlanta United FC, and Stanley Nsoki on a permanent deal following his loan from TSG Hoffenheim. The club prepares for its opening competitive fixture on Sunday, 23 August 2026, traveling to face second-tier side Eintracht Braunschweig at 15:30 in the first round of the DFB-Pokal. Coaching staff will determine in the coming days whether Aebischer features immediately in the starting lineup.