Castro Montes (26) comes over from AA Gent and signs for three seasons (+ option for an additional season) at the Parc Duden. 

Coach Alexander Blessin has a fully fit squad, with only Ross Sykes still on his way back from injury. New striker Kevin Rodriguez is not yet eligible to play. But the good news is that Mohamed Amoura's work permit is in order, and that new recruit Castro-Montes is immediately in the squad.

Union qualified for the UEFA Europa League group stage after getting past FC Lugano (0-3 over two games) in the play-off round. Together with Liverpool, Toulouse and LASK, Union were drawn in Group E. The Unionists, who could not watch the draw live, met got to know their European opponents on the plane en route to Brussels. Our official playing dates are: 21/09: RUSG - Toulouse (18:45), 05/10: Liverpool - RUSG (21:00), 26/10: RUSG - LASK (21:00), 09/11: LASK - RUSG (18:45), 30/11: Toulouse - RUSG (21:00), 14/12: RUSG - Liverpool (18:45).

The Ecuadorian striker (23) comes over from first division side Independiente del Valle, where he had been playing since January. Before that, he played at Imbabura SC, the club he also played as an academy player. Rodriguez also took part in the 2022 World Cup with Ecuador's national team. He signs a four-year contract at the Parc Duden, including an option to extend for an additional season.

Union have made history again, qualifying for the group stage of the Europa League for the second season in a row. In two games and two wins (2-0 and 0-1), we go into the Europa League at the expense of FC Lugano. The draw is tomorrow in Monaco!

The 21-year-old striker moves to Spanish third division side CD Castellón for one season. The loan does not include a buy-option at the end of the spell.

On the eve of the return leg of the Europa League play-off round against FC Lugano in Geneva, Alexander Blessin selected all available players. Amoura remained in Belgium awaiting work permit, which could be delivered this week.

The 21-year-old Belgian goalkeeper reinforces Sven Van der Jeugt's group of goalkeepers. He is under contract for one season with an option for another season.

The first match of this UEFA Europa League play-off double-header is won 2-0 by our Unionists!

The Unionists will play against Royal Antwerp at the Joseph Marien Stadium on Sunday 3 September at 4pm. More information below.