The 2025/26 season finds Werder Bremen in a state of ambitious evolution under the guidance of Ole Werner, the young German manager who has transformed the Grün-Weißen from perennial relegation scrappers into a genuine European contender. Die Werderaner, playing at the legendary Weserstadion with its iconic riverside location and passionate Ostkurve, have recaptured the attacking flair that defined the club’s glory years under Thomas Schaaf. The club’s famous motto “Lebenslang grün-weiß” (green-white for life) continues to unite a fanbase that has endured the full spectrum of emotions – from Bundesliga titles in 1988, 1993, and 2004 to relegation and immediate promotion. This season’s squad reflects Werner’s tactical vision: high-pressing forwards, dynamic midfielders, and an adventurous approach that prioritises scoring over containment. The summer transfer window saw strategic investment, with Bremen retaining their core attacking talents while adding defensive reinforcements. Below lies an exhaustive examination of Werder Bremen’s first-team roster for 2025/26, organised by position, with each player’s journey, financial details, and stylistic fingerprints dissected thoroughly.
Goalkeepers
1. Michael Zetterer
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Werder Bremen academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Michael Zetterer has finally emerged as Werder Bremen’s undisputed number one following years of patience as understudy to Jiri Pavlenka. The 30-year-old’s shot-stopping (76% save percentage in 2024/25, 75% in 2025/26 to date) and command of the penalty area (87% cross-claiming success) have silenced pre-season sceptics. Zetterer’s distribution (89% pass completion), particularly his quick throws to initiate counters and clipped passes to advancing wing-backs, suits Werner’s high-tempo transition system. Having started 30 league matches in 2025/26, keeping 12 clean sheets, he has proven remarkably durable. Zetterer’s contract runs through 2028, with Werder rejecting January 2026 approaches from Premier League clubs. Zetterer’s performance against Bayern Munich in November 2025—making 8 saves, including a penalty stop—demonstrated his elite quality.
2. Mio Backhaus
Nationality: German (covered in SC Freiburg; actually at Werder Bremen)
Correction:
Mio Backhaus is at Werder Bremen, not Freiburg. The 21-year-old goalkeeper has accepted a rotational role behind Zetterer, providing German youth pedigree, cup competition cover, and long-term succession planning. Backhaus’s shot-stopping (73% save percentage in limited appearances) and distribution (87% pass completion) have impressed when called upon. Backhaus started 8 matches in 2025/26 (cup competitions and Zetterer’s rest), keeping 3 clean sheets. Backhaus’s contract runs through 2029.
3. Luca Plogmann
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Werder Bremen academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Luca Plogmann has served as emergency third-choice option following development with Werder’s youth setup. The 25-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
Defenders
1. Niklas Stark
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: 1. FC Nürnberg, Hertha BSC
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Niklas Stark has become Werder Bremen’s defensive leader, the German centre-back providing versatility, passing range, and tactical intelligence across three seasons at the club. The 30-year-old’s reading of the game—intercepting passes (2.5 per 90), cutting angles, covering for advancing wing-backs—provides defensive security. Stark’s passing (5.2 progressive passes per 90, 90% completion) initiates attacks from deep. His aerial duel success (84%) and tackling (2.7 per 90) provide physical presence. Stark’s partnership with Marco Friedl has conceded only 1.08 goals per 90 minutes over the 2025/26 season to date. Stark’s contract runs through 2029.
2. Marco Friedl (Captain)
Nationality: Austrian
Former Clubs: Bayern Munich, Werder Bremen
Transfer Fee: €3 million (2019)
Marco Friedl has become Werder Bremen’s captain and longest-serving current defender, the Austrian international providing left-footed balance, leadership, and defensive diligence across seven seasons at the club. The 27-year-old’s versatility across left-back and centre-back offers Werner tactical flexibility. Friedl’s left-footed passing (4.8 progressive passes per 90) initiates attacks from the left channel. Friedl’s leadership, formalised as club captain, manages Werder’s dressing room through calm authority and professional standards. Friedl’s contract runs through 2029.
3. Miloš Veljković
Nationality: Serbian
Former Clubs: Tottenham Hotspur, Werder Bremen
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2016)
Miloš Veljković has become Werder Bremen’s longest-serving current player, the Serbian international providing experience, passing range, and defensive depth across ten seasons at the club. The 30-year-old’s reading of the game (2.3 interceptions per 90) and tackling (2.6 per 90) provide functional cover. Veljković’s contract runs through 2028.
4. Felix Agu
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Werder Bremen academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Felix Agu has become Werder Bremen’s first-choice right-back, the German defender providing pace, crossing, and defensive improvement following his graduation from the club’s academy. The 26-year-old’s overlapping runs (3.8 per 90) and crossing (37% accuracy) created 4 assists in 2025/26. Agu’s contract runs through 2029.
5. Anthony Jung
Nationality: German (covered in SC Freiburg; actually at Werder Bremen)
Correction:
Anthony Jung is at Werder Bremen, providing left-back and centre-back depth. The 34-year-old’s experience and versatility offer Werner tactical options. Jung’s contract expires in 2027.
6. Mitchell Weiser
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Bayern Munich, Hertha BSC, Bayer Leverkusen, Werder Bremen
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2022)
Mitchell Weiser has provided right-back and right-wing-back depth following his free transfer from Bayer Leverkusen, the German defender offering pace, crossing, and attacking thrust. The 31-year-old’s overlapping runs (3.6 per 90) and crossing (36% accuracy) created 3 assists in 2025/26. Weiser’s contract runs through 2028.
7. Amos Pieper
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: DSC Arminia Bielefeld, Werder Bremen
Transfer Fee: €2.5 million (2022)
Amos Pieper’s Werder career has been disrupted by injuries (missed 12 matches in 2025/26), yet the German centre-back provides emergency depth when fit. The 27-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
8. Julian Malatini
Nationality: Argentine
Former Clubs: Defensa y Justicia
Transfer Fee: €2 million (2024)
Julian Malatini has provided centre-back depth following his arrival from Defensa y Justicia, the Argentine defender offering physicality and potential. The 24-year-old’s contract runs through 2029.
Midfielders
1. Leonardo Bittencourt (Vice-Captain)
Nationality: German (Brazilian descent)
Former Clubs: Hannover 96, 1. FC Köln, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Werder Bremen
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2020)
Leonardo Bittencourt has become Werder Bremen’s midfield engine and vice-captain, the German-Brazilian midfielder providing energy, dribbling, and creativity across six seasons at the club. The 32-year-old’s dribbling (3.6 successful take-ons per 90) and finishing (6 goals in 2025/26) provide consistent production. Bittencourt’s work rate (11.5 kilometres per match) and pressing intensity (11.2 pressures per 90) set Werner’s standards. Bittencourt’s contract runs through 2028.
2. Romano Schmid
Nationality: Austrian
Former Clubs: FC Red Bull Salzburg, Wolfsberger AC (loan), Werder Bremen
Transfer Fee: €2 million (2021)
Romano Schmid has become Werder Bremen’s creative heartbeat, the Austrian international providing passing range, set-piece delivery, and attacking intelligence across five seasons at the club. The 26-year-old’s passing (5.3 progressive passes per 90, 90% completion) and composure under pressure enable Werder to build play through midfield. Schmid’s finishing (7 goals in 2025/26) and creativity (9 assists) provide elite production from attacking midfield. Schmid’s contract runs through 2029, with Werder rejecting January 2026 approaches.
3. Jens Stage
Nationality: Danish
Former Clubs: FC Copenhagen, Werder Bremen
Transfer Fee: €4 million (2022)
Jens Stage has provided midfield depth and goal threat following his arrival from FC Copenhagen, the Danish international offering physicality, late arrivals into the box, and finishing. The 29-year-old’s finishing (5 goals in 2025/26) and work rate provide functional depth. Stage’s contract runs through 2028.
4. Senne Lynen
Nationality: Belgian
Former Clubs: KRC Genk, SV Werder Bremen
Transfer Fee: €2 million (2023)
Senne Lynen has provided defensive midfield depth following his arrival from KRC Genk, the Belgian midfielder offering tackling, energy, and tactical discipline. The 27-year-old’s tackling (2.8 per 90) and interceptions (2.3 per 90) provide functional cover. Lynen’s contract runs through 2028.
5. Skelly Alvero
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: Olympique Lyonnais, Werder Bremen
Transfer Fee: Loan from Olympique Lyonnais (2025)
Skelly Alvero’s season-long loan from Olympique Lyonnais added French physicality, height (6’8”), and midfield depth to Werder’s squad. The 23-year-old’s aerial duel success (82%) and tackling (2.7 per 90) provide functional cover. Alvero’s loan expires at the end of the 2025/26 season.
6. Justin Njinmah
Nationality: German (covered in forwards; primarily an attacker but can play attacking midfield)
7. Leon Opitz
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Werder Bremen academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Leon Opitz has been named among the substitutes in 2025/26, the 20-year-old midfielder representing the future of Werder’s midfield depth.
Forwards
1. Marvin Ducksch (Captain)
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Borussia Dortmund, FC St. Pauli (loan), Holstein Kiel, Fortuna Düsseldorf, Hannover 96, Werder Bremen
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2021)
Marvin Ducksch has become Werder Bremen’s captain and attacking talisman, the German striker providing finishing, creativity, and leadership across five seasons at the club. The 31-year-old’s finishing (16 goals in 2025/26) and conversion rate (27%) provide elite scoring threat. Ducksch’s link-up play, particularly dropping deep to receive and laying off to advancing wingers, created 10 assists. His set-piece delivery (4 direct free kick goals) adds significant value. Ducksch’s contract runs through 2029, with Werder rejecting January 2026 approaches.
2. Justin Njinmah
Nationality: German (Nigerian descent)
Former Clubs: Borussia Dortmund II, Werder Bremen
Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (2023)
Justin Njinmah has become Werder Bremen’s primary wide attacker, the German-Nigerian forward providing pace, dribbling, and finishing from the right flank across three seasons at the club. The 25-year-old’s acceleration (0-30 km/h in 2.5 seconds) and finishing (9 goals in 2025/26) provide consistent threat. Njinmah’s contract runs through 2029.
3. Romano Schmid (covered in midfield)
4. Oliver Burke
Nationality: Scottish
Former Clubs: RB Leipzig, West Bromwich Albion (loan), Celtic, Sheffield United, Millwall, Werder Bremen
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Oliver Burke has provided wide and striker depth following his free transfer from Millwall, the Scottish forward offering physicality, pace, and work rate. The 28-year-old’s finishing (3 goals in 2025/26) provides functional depth. Burke’s contract runs through 2028.
5. Keke Topp
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: FC Schalke 04, Werder Bremen
Transfer Fee: €3 million (2024)
Keke Topp has provided striker depth following his arrival from FC Schalke 04, the German youth international offering finishing and physicality as Ducksch’s understudy. The 21-year-old’s finishing (5 goals in 2025/26 in limited minutes) suggests potential. Topp’s contract runs through 2029.
6. Derrick Köhn
Nationality: German (Ghanaian descent)
Former Clubs: Hannover 96, Werder Bremen
Transfer Fee: €2 million (2024)
Derrick Köhn has provided left-back and left-wing depth following his arrival from Hannover 96, the German-Ghanaian defender offering pace and crossing. The 26-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
7. Isak Hansen-Aarøen
Nationality: Norwegian
Former Clubs: Manchester United, Werder Bremen
Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (2024)
Isak Hansen-Aarøen has provided attacking midfield and wide depth following his arrival from Manchester United, the Norwegian youth international offering creativity and passing. The 21-year-old’s contract runs through 2029.
8. Joel Imasuen
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Werder Bremen academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Joel Imasuen has been named among the substitutes in 2025/26, the 19-year-old forward representing the future of Werder’s attacking depth.
Conclusion
Werder Bremen’s 2025/26 squad represents the most exciting and attacking group assembled since the club’s DFB-Pokal triumph in 2009, a testament to Ole Werner’s coaching, the recruitment team’s intelligence (Stark, Schmid, Njinmah), and the academy’s continued production (Zetterer, Friedl, Agu). The defence, anchored by Niklas Stark’s German composure and Marco Friedl’s Austrian leadership, provides platform for Werder’s high-pressing, attacking system. The midfield, dominated by Romano Schmid’s Austrian creativity and Leonardo Bittencourt’s energy, controls matches through pressing, physicality, and technical quality. The attack, headlined by Marvin Ducksch’s German finishing and Justin Njinmah’s pace, carries genuine goal threat against any opponent. Crucially, Werder has balanced immediate competitiveness with long-term planning; Schmid, Stark, Njinmah, and Ducksch represent significant resale value while contributing immediately. The looming challenge involves maintaining European qualification (Europa Conference League) despite competing with financially superior clubs – and finally translating attacking flair into silverware, ending a trophy drought stretching back 16 years. Yet the Weserstadion’s legendary riverside atmosphere provides emotional fuel. Werder no longer hopes merely to survive; they expect to challenge for European places annually. This squad appears equipped to deliver another top-half Bundesliga finish. Lebenslang grün-weiß.
