SV Werder Bremen has halted a planned transfer for striker Dawid Kownacki to the Polish league. The 29-year-old was originally set to move to Pogon Stettin, but the northern German club withdrew its approval at the last minute, as reported by MOPO.
The transfer deadline for moves to neighboring countries expired on Wednesday night at 23:59. Despite a basic agreement between Werder Bremen and Pogon Stettin and Kownacki's willingness to accept a pay cut, the move did not materialize. The club remained skeptical whether the attacker's high salary would translate into enough goals. Kownacki earns an estimated one million euros per year at Werder.
Why did Werder Bremen call off the deal?
According to Dominik Markiewicz, quoted by MOPO, talks were held but the club remained skeptical whether the high salary would lead to goals. In the end, the club decided against a transfer. Kownacki joined SV Werder Bremen on a free transfer from Fortuna Düsseldorf in 2023. The financially struggling northern club remains responsible for the striker's salary. Coach Clemens Fritz had already made clear that he cannot guarantee Kownacki any playing time.
What options does Dawid Kownacki still have?
Only four European transfer windows remain open, allowing for late departures. In Poland, the window closes on September 9, in Slovakia on September 13. Greece has until September 15 and Serbia even until September 18. Several Polish top-flight clubs have already expressed interest in Kownacki. For the striker, this means an uncertain period, while Werder Bremen continues its squad planning for the current season. The team is currently 10th in the Bundesliga standings with three points, having scored four goals and conceded five.
What is the striker situation at Werder Bremen?
Besides Dawid Kownacki, Werder Bremen has other attacking options. These include the 33-year-old Niclas Füllkrug, the 29-year-old Cedric Itten, and the young talents Kenny Quetant (20), Salim Musah (20), and Keke Topp (22). This internal competition complicates Kownacki's prospects for regular game time. The club's injury list is already long with Felix Agu, Jens Stage, Justin Njinmah, Eren Dinkçi, and Senne Lynen sidelined, as can be seen on the injuries page.
What does this mean for the current season?
Werder Bremen started the 2026/27 Bundesliga season with one win and one loss and is three points behind leaders FC Augsburg. The next match is away at 1. FC Köln on September 12, 2026, who are currently in 11th place. The full schedule can be viewed on the fixtures page. The decision against the Kownacki transfer underscores the club's sporting planning, which, despite financial challenges, focuses on a targeted squad composition. The striker remains part of the Werder squad for now, while his future could be decided in the still-open transfer windows.
