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SportsUnion Berlin striker Chris Bedia completes permanent move to Al-Nasr
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Striker Chris Bedia (30) has left 1. FC Union Berlin, signing permanently with Dubai club Al-Nasr after a loan spell at Young Boys Bern. Al-Nasr was previously coached by German managers Eduard Geyer and Frank Pagelsdorf. Bedia expressed gratitude for his time at Union, noting he looks forward to a permanent role. Union also confirmed midfielder Alex Kral's free transfer to FC Copenhagen. In their first preseason test match in Switzerland, Union drew 1-1 against second-division side Winterthur. Captain Aljoscha Kemlein equalized from a penalty in the 60th minute after Yannis Odin scored for Winterthur. Coach Mauro Lustrinelli expressed moderate satisfaction. Players Oliver Burke and Luka Vulin left the match with foot injuries, and from the 65th minute only juniors and goalkeeper Carl Klaus remained on the pitch.
Source report
Bedia Ends Search for New Club
Chris Bedia (30) is leaving 1. FC Union Berlin. Earlier this week, the Iron Ones released the striker to look for a new club. On Friday, the club officially announced that the former flop has found one.
After his loan spell at Young Boys Bern, Bedia is now moving permanently to Al-Nasr in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Speaking about his departure, Bedia said: "I am grateful for my time at Union, because even though it was very short, I always felt a lot of support. After the last two years on loan, I am now looking forward to a permanent role where I can take on responsibility continuously again."
Move to Former Club of Geyer and Pagelsdorf
Al-Nasr has previously been coached by two German managers:
- Eduard Geyer (81), a legend from Cottbus and Dynamo Dresden, coached the desert club in the 2005/06 season.
- Frank Pagelsdorf, who also managed Union Berlin (1992–1994), worked in Dubai in the 2004/05 season.
Bedia, an Ivorian striker, also had responsibility at times in Bern—until Samuel Essende (28) arrived for €3 million from Augsburg. Despite scoring numerous goals in the Bern jersey, Bedia was sent back to Union. He never fully settled there. Before his stint in Bern, the Iron Ones had already loaned him to Hull City.
Even in the current preseason, Bedia was unable to sufficiently convince new coach Mauro Lustrinelli (50).
Horst Heldt on the transfer: "Chris has always behaved professionally in a situation that was not easy for him. Now he has the opportunity again to be a permanent part of a team and play regularly. We wish him much success and stability on his further path."
Alex Kral Also Finds New Club
Midfielder Alex Kral (28) has also found a new club. The Czech international is moving on a free transfer to FC Copenhagen.
Draw in Winterthur
Union Berlin played a 1-1 draw against second-division side Winterthur in their first test match in Switzerland.
- 57' – Yannis Odin put Winterthur ahead 1-0.
- 60' – Captain Aljoscha Kemlein equalized from the penalty spot in front of 5,100 fans.
Union coach Mauro Lustrinelli was moderately satisfied: "But we don't manage to reward ourselves."
Injury concerns: Oliver Burke and Luka Vulin both left the game with foot injuries. From the 65th minute onwards, only juniors were on the pitch apart from goalkeeper Carl Klaus.
On Saturday (4 PM) in Aarau, the other half of the Union professionals will be required to play longer.
Source
BILD - SportWestern
Part of this Story
Union Berlin Striker Chris Bedia Moves to Al-Nasr; Team Draws 1-1 in First Swiss Test