Werder Bremen is strengthening its defense with the loan signing of Brazilian right-back Arthur from Bayer Leverkusen. The 26-year-old will join for the entire 2026/27 season, as reported by sports.yahoo.com on Tuesday.
Arthur is scheduled to undergo his medical examination in Bremen on the same day. The loan deal does not include a purchase option, meaning Leverkusen retains full control over the player's future. Negotiations between the two Bundesliga clubs are essentially complete, according to Florian Plettenberg. "The two clubs have agreed on the main points of the transfer, with only the final details still to be clarified," the journalist said. The final paperwork is expected before the transfer window closes.
Werder starts the season in 15th place with one point from one game, having conceded four goals in their opening match. With a crucial home game against third-placed RB Leipzig on September 5th, defensive solidity is a key concern. The club had been actively searching for reinforcements in defense, as can be seen on our squad page.
Why is Arthur leaving Bayer Leverkusen?
Arthur had limited opportunities to secure regular minutes at Leverkusen. He was competing for the right-back position with players like Lucas Vázquez, Axel Tape, and Jarell Quansah. The situation became more challenging for the Brazilian when Bayer Leverkusen signed Ivorian defender Guéla Doué from RC Strasbourg for €37.5 million. The Ivorian is considered a first-choice option on the right flank, pushing Arthur further down the pecking order.
The move to Bremen now offers the experienced Bundesliga professional the prospect of more playing time. Arthur had been linked with a move away before, including to Hamburger SV. HSV ultimately pursued Zakaria El Ouahdi instead, clearing the path for Werder.
What role will Arthur play at Werder Bremen?
Arthur arrives in Bremen to increase the team's defensive stability. With his Bundesliga experience, he is expected to be integrated directly into the starting lineup. His profile as an offensive full-back who is also solid defensively fits into coach Ole Werner's system.
The current league standing highlights the need for action. With just one goal scored and four conceded, Werder has a -3 goal difference and trails league leaders Bayern Munich by three points. The upcoming fixtures, which you can find on our fixtures page, will show if the reinforcement has the desired effect.
What does the loan deal mean for the future?
Since the contract contains no buy option, Arthur will definitively return to Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2027. The club retains all options for the player's further career. For Werder Bremen, it is a flexible solution that brings short-term quality to the defense without long-term financial commitments.
The 2026/27 season will thus be a test for the right-back, who wants to prove himself in Bremen for higher challenges. The current standings show that any improvement in defense can directly translate into points. Arthur is likely to make his first appearance for Werder Bremen in the home match against RB Leipzig on September 5th.
