SV Werder Bremen has concluded the summer transfer window without a spectacular new signing. Sporting director Clemens Fritz achieved a financial surplus but failed to land a major sporting coup, as reported by buten un binnen on September 1, 2026.
The team under coach Daniel Thioune starts the season with this squad in a difficult position. After the first matchday, Werder Bremen sits in 15th place in the Bundesliga table with zero points and a negative goal difference of 1:4. The next challenge awaits on September 5 with a home match against third-placed RB Leipzig, as shown in the current standings.
What does the transfer balance sheet look like?
Clemens Fritz clearly fulfilled the club's financial mandate. Through the sale of three players – Coulibaly, Backhaus, and Schmid – Werder Bremen generated around 40 million euros this summer. For significantly less money, the sporting director brought in a total of 14 new players. In the final two days of the transfer window, a midfielder and two full-backs, Regeer, Ndiaye, and Arthur, were added.
However, after two years in office, Fritz is still missing a genuine transfer sensation. The acquisitions of Boniface and Alvero are considered missteps in the report. Samuel Mbangula, signed for 10 million euros a year ago, is already on loan to Bologna and could be sold later.
Who are the new players at Werder?
In addition to the three deadline-day signings, Werder is relying on a mix of young talents and experienced players. The newcomers Chuki, Wojcik, and Stalmach were presented in training, but their success in the Bundesliga remains uncertain. The signings of Dinkci, Reis, and Schlager, who arrived either on loan or free transfers, are seen as low-risk and sensible deals.
The injury to leadership player Jens Stage and the absence of Justin Njinmah further strain the squad. Fans also miss the popular Niclas Füllkrug. The current personnel situation can be tracked in detail on our squad page.
What does this mean for the current season?
The disappointing start to the season reflects the uncertainties. The 1:4 defeat on the first matchday and the labored cup win against fifth-tier side Lüneburg highlight the problems. "Sports reporter Jan-Dirk Bruns has doubts about the team's success," the report states. Trailing leaders Bayern Munich by three points, the climb up the table is a long one.
Despite the disappointing transfers and the poor start, fans maintain a degree of hope. A non-representative survey with 917 participants showed this mood. The upcoming matches, starting with RB Leipzig, will show if the squad is competitive. All upcoming fixtures are listed in our fixtures overview. The home match against Leipzig on September 5, 2026, is the next opportunity to earn points.
