Werder Bremen have completed the signing of left-back Moussa Ndiaye. The 24-year-old Senegalese international joins on loan from Belgian side RSC Anderlecht for the remainder of the 2026/27 campaign, the club confirmed on Thursday. This move marks Werder's 13th incoming transfer of the window.
Daniel Thioune's side began the season with a 3-0 DFB Cup win against Lüneberger SK Hansa but suffered a 4-1 defeat at Freiburg on the Bundesliga's opening weekend. That result leaves Werder 15th in the table with zero points, one goal scored, and four conceded. Their next fixture is at home against third-placed RB Leipzig on Saturday.
Who is Moussa Ndiaye?
Moussa Ndiaye is a 24-year-old Senegalese defender who operates primarily at left-back. He made 109 appearances in all competitions for Anderlecht. The player already has Bundesliga experience, having spent the second half of the 2025/26 season on loan at FC Schalke 04, where he helped the club win promotion back to the top flight. He was also part of Senegal's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, though he did not feature in the tournament.
Head coach Daniel Thioune expressed his satisfaction with the acquisition. "Moussa perfectly fits our profile: strong in tackles, capable of contributing offensively, and with a good balance between covering and pushing forward," Thioune said, as reported by Bundesliga.com. "He has already shown in Germany that he can hold his own and will give us more versatility on the left side."
Where does Ndiaye fit into the current Werder squad?
The signing addresses a position that has recently been affected by injuries. Currently, options for the left side are reduced with Felix Agu and Youri Regeer sidelined. Jens Stage and Justin Njinmah are also unavailable, as shown on the current injuries list. Ndiaye therefore provides not only quality but much-needed squad depth.
The Senegalese could make his Werder debut as early as Saturday in the home match against RB Leipzig at the Weserstadion. Looking at the fixtures schedule, a challenging run of games awaits. Ndiaye's experience from his 109 games for Anderlecht and his Bundesliga stint with Schalke is intended to bring more stability to a defense that conceded four goals on the opening matchday.
What did Ndiaye say about the move?
The new signing himself is looking forward to the challenge. "I already know football in Germany and some Bundesliga stadiums, and I know how intense and passionate football is played here," said Moussa Ndiaye. "Werder are a club with a great tradition, and I had a good feeling from the start during the talks."
His task will be to solidify the defensive line while providing impetus . Werder's defense has conceded four goals this season while scoring only one. Improving defensively is key to climbing from their current league position and not letting the three-point gap to leaders Bayern München grow wider. The full standings provide the context.
Moussa Ndiaye signed his loan deal with Werder Bremen on Thursday and immediately joined the squad to prepare for the match on Saturday.
