After securing Bundesliga survival over the weekend despite a 0-1 loss to TSG Hoffenheim, Werder Bremen is pushing ahead with squad planning for the upcoming season. According to local reports, Real Valladolid playmaker Chuki is expected to undergo a medical examination in Bremen on Monday. The 22-year-old becomes the club’s second new arrival for the new campaign, following Kenny Quetant.
Like Quetant, Chuki’s contract expires this summer, allowing him to join Werder on a free transfer. The Spanish attacking midfielder is set to sign a long-term deal through 2030. Reports from last week indicated 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 top-flight status is officially secure, clearing the way for Chuki’s move.
Chuki came through the youth ranks at Real Valladolid and has been part of the first-team squad since last season, when the club was relegated from LaLiga. After making his top-flight debut, he developed into a key player during the current campaign. With seven goals and eight assists in 34 appearances, he is the team’s top scorer, despite Valladolid managing only 41 goals in 38 games and sitting 15th in the Segunda División. His market value has risen from €1.5 million last summer to €5 million, making him the most valuable player in Valladolid’s squad.
Chuki’s strong performances in Spain’s second tier and his contract situation attracted interest from several clubs during the spring. VfB Stuttgart and RB Leipzig were among those pursuing the offensive midfielder, while Cesc Fàbregas reportedly 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 his signature.
However, Michal Karbownik, the Hertha BSC left-back long linked with Werder, will not be joining the club. The versatile defender was repeatedly mentioned as a target in the spring, but he delayed his decision due to uncertainty about Werder’s league status. Multiple media sources report that Werder has now abandoned the pursuit.
Head coach Daniel Thioune is delighted with the squad planning so far. “What I’ve been able to accompany so far looks very promising,” said the 51-year-old, who replaced Horst Steffen in February. Thioune guided the team to survival with 13 points from 13 matches. He has repeatedly emphasized that he wants to shift the team’s defensive approach, saying, “I have some ideas.”
Meanwhile, Werder Bremen plans to complete its analysis of the disappointing season after Saturday’s match against vice-champion Borussia Dortmund. A loss would make this the club’s third-worst campaign in history, better only than the 31-point seasons of 2019/20 and 2020/21. Sporting director Clemens Fritz commented, “We began working on the review during the season and will now fully analyze this intensive campaign. We will examine all relevant areas of our professional squad section.” Particular scrutiny will fall on transfer market activity, which has faced heavy criticism throughout the season. With Quetant and Chuki now secured on free transfers, the club hopes to build momentum.
