Werder Bremen has rejected a potential transfer move for Badredine Bouanani from VfB Stuttgart. Sporting director Clemens Fritz decided against signing the 21-year-old to cover for the injury to Justin Njinmah, as reported by Bild Sport around the transfer deadline.
The team under Ole Werner started the new Bundesliga season with a defeat and sits in 15th place with zero points after one match. They are already three points behind leaders Bayern Munich. The next opportunity for points comes with a home game against third-placed RB Leipzig on September 5th.
Why did Werder reject the transfer?
Clemens Fritz explained the decision by pointing to the imminent return of other players. "We decided against reacting to Njinmah's absence," said the 45-year-old sporting director. "We expect Felix Agu and Mitchell Weiser back soon. The two will give us some flexibility. Mitch can play in midfield, for example." The focus was therefore on internal solutions rather than activity in the transfer market. Bouanani, a young attacking player, had been discussed by VfB Stuttgart, but the negotiations did not lead to a deal.
How long is Justin Njinmah out?
The 25-year-old Justin Njinmah suffered a muscle injury in the match against SC Freiburg. His return is expected in November. His absence creates a gap in the attack that Werder Bremen must fill in the coming weeks. The team has scored one goal so far this season but conceded four, resulting in a negative goal difference of minus three. Current information on the squad and injury status can be found on our squad and injuries pages.
What other transfer business occurred?
Parallel to the rejected Bouanani option, Werder Bremen completed a departure. Nineteen-year-old Patrice Covic made a permanent move to Dynamo Dresden. It is a one-year loan deal without a subsequent purchase option. The transfer was handled by Dynamo Dresden's professional head Peter Niemeyer. This move highlights the strategy of developing young talents.
What is the current league standing?
The Bundesliga start has not gone to plan for Werder. After the first matchday, the club occupies 15th place with zero points from one game. The record shows one loss. The complete table can be viewed on our standings page. The next challenge awaits on September 5th at the home Weserstadion against strong RB Leipzig, who currently sit in third place. All upcoming fixtures are listed in the fixtures calendar.
The team faces RB Leipzig at the Weserstadion on September 5th.
