Werder Bremen are preparing an offer for SCO Angers midfielder Yassin Belkhdim. French outlet Foot Mercato reports the news and states a transfer fee of five million euros is envisioned for the 24-year-old.
The Green-Whites start the new season with an away match at SC Freiburg on Sunday, 30 August. Under coach Ole Werner, the team finished the previous campaign in 15th place in the Bundesliga table with 28 points from 29 games. Their record was seven wins, seven draws and 15 defeats. A goal difference of minus 20 (32 scored, 52 conceded) and a 48-point gap to champions Bayern Munich highlight the need for action.
Who is Yassin Belkhdim?
Yassin Belkhdim is a 24-year-old midfielder under contract with SCO Angers in the French Ligue 1. He made his professional debut only at age 22 but has since established himself as a regular starter. He is described as a flexible and tactically intelligent midfield worker. His contract with Angers runs until 2028, strengthening the French club's negotiating position.
Belkhdim would be the fourth midfield addition this summer after Chuki (22), Ludovit Reis (26) and Dariusz Stalmach (20). The search for further reinforcements is understandable given last season's struggles. Werder must keep an eye on the competition in the relegation battle, as the current standings show.
What is Werder's transfer budget situation?
According to the report, Werder Bremen first needs to generate fresh transfer income to become properly active in the market. A sale would therefore likely be the prerequisite for a serious offer to Angers. The transfer window closes this coming Tuesday, so time pressure is increasing.
Financial flexibility is limited. A look at last season's stats reveals deficits that need to be addressed. The planned move for Belkhdim signals the intent to further strengthen the midfield and create more stability.
Who else is interested in signing him?
Werder Bremen are not the only club keeping tabs on Yassin Belkhdim. The report states that English side FC Burnley, Spain's Rayo Vallecano and Belgian record champions RSC Anderlecht are also interested in the midfielder. This could trigger a bidding war and drive up the price.
For Werder, this means they need to act quickly and decisively if the decision-makers truly want the player. The competition from the Premier League, La Liga and Division 1A is often financially stronger.
What does this mean for the season opener?
The first decisions regarding the squad composition for the new season are now being made. Whether Belkhdim can be signed in time for the Bundesliga kick-off remains uncertain. The first match is on Sunday in Freiburg. Last season's eighth-placed team is a demanding first opponent.
Preparations for the first game and the rest of the season are running in parallel. Fans can check the exact schedule and all fixtures on our fixtures page. Signing another midfielder would give coach Ole Werner more options for his tactical setup. The current squad overview would gain an interesting alternative. The coming weekend and the final transfer week promise excitement for all Werder supporters.
