Union Berlin makes “superstar” Amber Tysiak the most expensive Belgian football star: from West Ham to Frauen-Bundesliga
Amber Tysiak chooses a new football country: the central defender of the Red Flames exchanges West Ham in England for Union Berlin in Germany. The transfer would cost 150,000 pounds (170,000 euros), making Tysiak the most expensive Belgian football player. She meets Hannah Eurlings (ex-OHL) again: “She only said positive things about the club.”
Amber Tysiak, who exchanged OHL for West Ham in 2023, where she quickly became a basic player, signed another 3.5 years in London in January last year. The contract duration in Germany has not been announced.
Union Berlin, who have recently been promoted to the First Bundesliga, reportedly offered 170,000 euros for Tysiak. This is better than the 100,000 euros from Hannah Eurlings, with whom she will now play in Berlin. Berlin signed the 22-year-old striker from OHL last summer, but he has not yet been able to play since the European Championship due to a serious groin injury.
Tysiak started her professional career at Genk, followed by OHL, where she also played with Eurlings, just like with the Red Flames.
In January 2023, the central defender ventured to the Women Super League in England. After six months of adjustments, she has been a full-fledged starting player since the 2023-2024 season.
In the past 2.5 years, Tysiak has defended West Ham’s colors 52 times, including 48 times in the starting eleven. West Ham was 11th (out of 12) in England, Union is 8th (out of 14) in Germany.
Since 2021, Tysiak has played for Belgium, with which she has already played 45 international matches and scored 5 times.
“Playing with Hannah again”
Union Berlin became a professional club for women in 2023 and was promoted twice in succession. It is his first season in the highest football class.
The club was looking for defensive stability, experience and presence and said it found that in the Red Flame. The club presents its “very first transfer from the WSL” as a “superstar” and is “tremendously proud”.
“Amber is a tall, skilled central defender who has already measured herself against the best players in Europe,” says team manager Jennifer Zietz. “We are confident she will quickly settle in and help our team.”
Tysiak had several offers, but consciously chose the German challenge: “Union has invested enormously in women’s football in Germany in recent years.”
“After a conversation with the club management, it quickly became clear to me that I wanted to be part of this development. Those first conversations were very positive. Union is a warm family club with a lot of ambition,” she said in an extensive interview on the club website.
Eurlings of course gave her tips: “I spoke to her a few times about the club and the team. And she only said positive things.”
Tysiak, who obtained a teaching diploma in Dutch history, was asked what she can teach her new team. “That you have to give the best of yourself every day. I am very ambitious and hope to share my experience from the WSL here to help the team grow.”
“I already saw Red Flames matches in Germany, the Bundesliga has a good level. I am looking forward to Berlin, the stadium, the fans and of course playing with Hannah again.”
