Leonardo Bonucci has accepted a transfer to Union Berlin, with the Champions League debutants set to sign the Juventus icon. Bonucci was ruled out of the project by new sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli after his arrival from Napoli.
The Italian was set to retire in the summer of 2024 when his contract with the Bianconeri expired. But, the club decided to move him on immediately and he will now be playing with one of the biggest underdogs in all of Europe.
Leonardo Bonucci joins Union Berlin until 2024 from Juventus
The centre-back will be playing for Berlin until June 2024, with the option to extend his contract for one more season beyond that. In spite of losing his pace, he has a wealth of experience at the top level and could be a leader in the locker room at the top level.
Last season, the veteran made 26 appearances across all competitions and racked up 1517 minutes while also scoring two goals. And now, he will be pursuing a new challenge in Germany, which is his first move away from Italy in his iconic career.
Leonardo Bonucci helped Italy win the 2020 Euros alongside long-time defensive partner Giorgio Chiellini. He has earned 121 caps for the Azzurri and has scored eight goals over the course of his career.
Union Berlin have been drawn in Group C with Real Madrid, Napoli and Braga. They are not expected to progress to the knockout stages ahead of Madrid and Napoli, but are expected to finish third and still be in European football through the Europa League.
