SV Werder Bremen have loaned Argentine defender Julian Malatini to FC Cincinnati in the United States for the upcoming season. The sportschau.de outlet reported the move on Tuesday. This marks another departure for the Bundesliga club as they simplify their squad after the transfer deadline. The 25-year-old Malatini will continue training in Bremen until his travel documents for the US are ready.
Werder Bremen started the new Bundesliga season with a defeat and sit in 15th place with zero points from one match. Coach Ole Werner's side conceded four goals in a 1-4 loss to VfB Stuttgart. The next tough challenge awaits on Thursday, September 5, 2026, with a home match against third-placed RB Leipzig, as shown on the fixtures page.
Why did Malatini leave Werder Bremen?
Julian Malatini joined Werder Bremen from Talleres Córdoba in January 2024 for a transfer fee of around two million euros. Over two and a half years, the Argentine made 32 Bundesliga appearances but never established himself as an undisputed starter. Peter Niemeyer, Werder's director of professional football, explained the loan decision. "In our current squad setup, we could only offer Julian limited playing time. Therefore, we decided together with him on a loan," Niemeyer told sportschau.de. The move offers Malatini the chance for regular minutes in Major League Soccer.
What other squad movements are happening?
Alongside Malatini, striker Dawid Kownacki is also set to leave the Weserstadion. The Polish forward is in negotiations with Pogon Stettin. A transfer would be another step in Werder's squad planning after the closure of the transfer window. The club has scored one goal and conceded four so far this season, resulting in a goal difference of minus three. The defence remains a point of focus even after Malatini's departure. The current team lineup can be viewed on our squad page.
What is Werder Bremen's current situation?
The opening day defeat has placed Werder directly in the lower reaches of the table. The team is three points behind leaders Bayern Munich. The coming weeks will show if the defensive reshuffle following the departures holds up. The standings table highlights the tight battle for positions in the Bundesliga. Summer signings were limited, and the remaining players must now stabilise the backline. The next opportunity comes on Thursday evening against a strong Leipzig side.
