Liian Burcu’s Rising Star at 1. FC Union Berlin

Following another impressive showing from the bench, 21-year-old German-Turkish forward Liian Burcu is increasingly pushing for a spot in the starting XI of 1. FC Union Berlin. The Frankfurt native made his eighth Bundesliga appearance against his former academy team last Friday. Having already started two matches under head coach Steffen Baumgart, Burcu appears ready for a larger role, as noted by FCU managing director Horst Heldt.

Burcu trained at both FSV Frankfurt and Eintracht Frankfurt academies in his hometown, before briefly joining Beşiktaş. At 18, he moved to the SV Sandhausen academy in Baden-Württemberg, where he began his professional career in the 3. Liga during the 2023/24 season. Burcu’s impressive performance, with four goals and five assists across 28 appearances, led to his signing with Union Berlin in the summer of 2024.

Last year, Union loaned Burcu to fellow East German club 1. FC Magdeburg, where he excelled in the 2. Bundesliga, contributing three goals and nine assists in 31 appearances. Despite being poised to make his mark in the top tier, an ankle injury sustained over the summer delayed his progress.

Now fully fit, Burcu made his Bundesliga debut at the start of December and has participated in seven consecutive matches. Recently, he had a minor disagreement with Baumgart on the sidelines, which resulted in the coach’s public criticism of Burcu’s need to demonstrate greater courage on the pitch.

In contrast, Heldt expressed his confidence in Burcu, dismissing rumors of a loan. He emphasized the value Burcu brings to the team, explaining, “I think Livan adds a lot to the team. Unfortunately, the injury he suffered over the summer has posed a significant setback. Now he has returned to the level he should have been at from the season’s start. His qualities can enhance our attacking flexibility; it’s almost like we have a new signing this January.”