January 2025 Transfer Primer: Werder Bremen

Werder Bremen

Estimated Autumn Transfer Balance = -€1.1 million

As the 2023/24 Bundesliga drew to a close, German football watchers chuckled at what they termed the "Schneckenrennen" ("snail's race") for Europe. Frankfurt, Hoffenheim, Heidenheim, Freiburg, Augsburg, and even Wolfsburg were all considered candidates to snatch the Europa and Conference League places even though all six teams were generally regarded to be woefully unqualified to represent the country based on their league performances. Sitting just outside this circles of "joke European teams" was Werder. Despite the fact that they had a chance points-wise, no one believed in this team.

The Hanseaten were considered still more of a joke in that they didn't even belong to this subpar "gang of six". Matter have certainly changed. After concluding the last month of the calendar year with four straight wins, Bremen enjoy a great deal of respect in German footballing circles. Head-coach Ole Werner's tactical system clicks in exciting fashion. Eleven different players on the roster have scored league goals. Seven have scored more than one. The manner in which Werner's squad beat back former trainer Florian Kohfeldt's Darmstadt in the Pokal leaves one feeling that a big break with the past has been achieved. 

Werner's crew furnished impressive league performances not only in their seven Bundesliga victories, but also in draws with Leverkusen, Dortmund and Stuttgart, but also in a narrow loss to Frankfurt. The comeback win over Hoffenheim in Sinsheim demonstrates the resilience inherent in this group. One can't honestly think of a regular player who has disappointed in action. The emergence of Jens Stage, Marco Grüll, and Derrick Köhn as reliable goal-scoring threats constitutes a most pleasant surprise. 

Dead-Weight Ledger = Olivier Deman (LB), Julian Malatini (CB), Skelly Alvero (DM), Leon Opitz (LW), Abdenego Nankishi (LW)

The administrative duo of Clemens Fritz and Peter Niemeyer have already taken care of the case of flops such as Isak Hansen-Aarønen and Naby Keïta. Signs point to a quick, orderly, and potentially lucrative departure for Belgian international Olivier Deman. Niemeyer would be prudent to - at the very least - ship out underutilized players Julian Malatinia and Skelly Alvero on loan as both were expensive additions that surely serve as a burden on the payroll. Leon Opitz and Abdenego Nankishi can receive playing practice elsewhere. 

Expiring contracts =  Milos Veljkovic (CB), Anthony Jung (CB), Oliver Burke (LS)

"Senior Statesmen" Milos Veljkovic and Anthony Jung aren't exactly glamorous household names, but both serve a valuable purpose on this team. Veljkovic's extensive experience in an SV tricot means that he can serve an incredibly important leadership role as Werder make a European push. The 33-year-old Jung, simply stated, remains this club's biggest "unsung heroes". The Hanseaten picked up the former Leipzig man ahead of their 2021/22 campaign in the second division. As a solid central defender occasionally asked to fill in at wingback, he's always risen to the task in over 110 appearances across all comps. 

It's unsurprisingly to learn that Bremen aren't terribly interested in cashing in on Veljkovic. Niemeyer is on record as stating that renewing with Jung is a priority. German football love the Oliver Burke story. Werder's coaching and managerial team feed the sensational flames of some sort of comeback magic from the Scotsman any and every chance they get. At the end of the day, however, Burke likely finds himself headed for free-agency this summer. Jung's former Leipzig teammate's Bundesliga tale sadly heads the way of Rafael Santos Borré.

Further Needs = ADM, SS, LS, CF  

Stage's maturation into an eight highlights the roster's glaring need for a "holding six" or skilled "bolt lock sweeper". Alvero and Senne Lynen haven't worked out in this regard. Leonardo Bittencourt never really worked the role and struggles too often with injury at this stage of his career anyway. No reliable rumors as to who might fill this need exist yet. One senses that that a big name player could nevertheless be on the way. A huge new investment deal brokered by regional partners, a four-fold increase in merchandising revenues, and several prudent windows put this club in excellent financial shape.

Rumored Links =  Jordy Makengo (LB), Ramiz Hamouda (LB), Linton Maina (LW), Jens Castrop (CM), Matys Tel (LS)