Overview
- Union Berlin confirmed the signing on Wednesday, announcing that the 30-year-old centre-back has rejoined the club on a free transfer after his contract at Borussia Mönchengladbach expired.
- The club and sporting director Horst Heldt framed the move as a homecoming that will add immediate stability and leadership to the back line.
- Friedrich played 141 times for Union from 2018–2022 and was a key figure in the team’s rise to the Bundesliga, making him a strong cultural fit at the Alte Försterei.
- A social-media video showed departing defender Danilho Doekhi handing over the No. 5 shirt to Friedrich, underlining the symbolic and fan-focused nature of the return.
- The signing is low-cost but carries clear short-term risk because Friedrich logged only seven appearances last season and has had recurring muscular and ankle issues, which could affect his readiness and competition for a starting spot next season.