Despite a 0-1 defeat at TSG Hoffenheim over the weekend, Werder Bremen secured their Bundesliga survival, and preparations for the upcoming season are now in full swing. According to reports from the “Deichstube,” Real Valladolid playmaker Chuki is expected to undergo a medical on Monday in Bremen. The 22-year-old becomes the second new signing for the new campaign, following Kenny Quetant.
Like Quetant, Chuki’s contract expires this summer, allowing him to move to the Weser on a free transfer. The Spaniard is set to sign a long-term deal with Werder, keeping him at the club until 2030. The “Deichstube” reported last week that Chuki had already visited Bremen to get a feel for the club. With both VfL Wolfsburg and FC St. Pauli losing their matches on Saturday, Werder’s survival was officially confirmed, clearing the way for Chuki’s transfer.
Chuki came through the youth ranks at Real Valladolid and has been part of the first team since last season, when the club was relegated from LaLiga. After making his initial appearances in the top flight, he has developed into a key player this term. With seven goals and eight assists in 34 appearances, he is his team’s top scorer—despite Valladolid managing only 41 goals in 38 games and sitting in 15th place. His market value has risen from €1.5 million last summer to €5 million, making him the most valuable player in the Valladolid squad.
Chuki’s impressive performances in the Spanish second division, combined with his contract situation, attracted interest from other clubs during the spring. Both VfB Stuttgart and RB Leipzig were keen on the attacking midfielder, while Cesc Fàbregas wanted to bring his compatriot to Como. According to a report from “Marca,” Werder beat out Bundesliga rivals Hamburger SV and Schalke 04 to secure the signing.
Michal Karbownik, who had also been heavily linked with Werder, will not be joining the club. The versatile left-back from Hertha BSC was frequently mentioned as a target this spring, but he hesitated to commit due to uncertainty over Werder’s league status. Multiple media reports now indicate that Werder has abandoned its pursuit of the player.
Coach Daniel Thioune is delighted with the squad planning so far. “What I’ve been able to see up to now looks very promising,” said the 51-year-old. Thioune, formerly of Fortuna Düsseldorf, took over after Horst Steffen was sacked in February and guided the team to safety with 13 points from 13 games. Despite this, his overall record makes him the least successful Werder coach with at least ten matches in club history. He has repeatedly stressed that he wants to change the team’s defensive style of play. “I have a few ideas,” the coach remarked.
Meanwhile, Werder Bremen plans to complete their analysis of a poor season after Saturday’s match against runners-up Borussia Dortmund. A loss would make this the third-worst campaign in club history—only the 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons (each with 31 points) were worse. Sporting director Clemens Fritz said: “We started the analysis during the season and will now thoroughly review this intense campaign. We’ll examine all relevant areas of our professional squad department.”
Particular focus will be on transfer market activity, which has drawn heavy criticism throughout the season. With Quetant and Chuki already secured on free transfers, early work in the window has begun.
