Werder Bremen have signed midfielder Ludovit Reis, who immediately impressed on his debut with a goal and being named player of the match. The 26-year-old Dutchman joined on a free transfer from Belgian champions FC Brügge and helped secure a 3:0 cup win against Lüneburg, as reported by the Kreiszeitung.
Who is Ludovit Reis?
Ludovit Reis is a Dutch midfielder of Slovak descent. His career began in the youth setups of SV DIOS and SV Hoofddorp before he moved to the FC Groningen academy in 2015. At 16, he was already playing for the U19s and was promoted to the professional team at 17. His breakthrough came in the 2018/19 season, which earned him a 3.25 million euro move to FC Barcelona. Only Stef Nijland and Arjen Robben brought more money to Groningen as teenagers. At Barcelona, he became a regular starter for the B-team but never made a first-team appearance. After a loan to VfL Osnabrück, he joined Hamburger SV on a free transfer in 2021.
What are his biggest strengths?
Data analysis by the Kreiszeitung reveals Reis is a pressing specialist. He sprints intensely and puts opponents under constant pressure. At HSV, he was among the best counter-pressing players in the 2. Bundesliga. Per 90 minutes, he engages in an average of ten ground duels and is rarely dribbled past. He also intercepts many balls deep in his own half, acting as a ball magnet. His technical strength and high running and work rate are further hallmarks. However, his intense dueling and many tackles also lead to him receiving many yellow cards.
How has his career progressed so far?
At Hamburger SV, Reis developed into a key player and fan favorite. In the 2022/23 season, he scored nine goals and provided five assists. He became team captain and led HSV to promotion to the Bundesliga in the 2024/25 season. He did not play for them in the top flight, however, as he moved to FC Brügge for six million euros in the summer of 2025. There he won the Belgian title but played a minor role, managing only 293 league minutes partly due to injury. He has represented the Netherlands up to the U21 national team level.
What does he mean for Werder Bremen?
Reis brings Bundesliga experience and a combative mentality to a Werder team that finished last season in 15th place. With 28 points, seven wins, seven draws, and 15 losses from 29 games and a goal difference of 32:52 (-20), SVW had significant room for improvement. They finished 48 points behind champions Bayern Munich. The next test comes on August 30th with an away game against eighth-placed SC Freiburg. All planning for the new season can be seen in our squad overview. Reis can help improve defensive stability immediately with his pressing and ball-winning abilities. His leadership qualities as a former captain are another asset. Werder must perform much more consistently in the new season to avoid another relegation battle. The current standings show how tight the league is behind the top. For the coach and team, Reis is a concrete reinforcement for the central midfield who can make an instant impact.
