Werder Bremen have confirmed the permanent signing of Karl Hein. The Estonian international goalkeeper, previously on loan from Arsenal, will now remain at the club. The move comes as Werder Bremen also confirmed the departure of Mio Backhaus to SC Freiburg.
Backhaus Moves to Freiburg
Mio Backhaus is set to join SC Freiburg, replacing Noah Atubolu, who is expected to leave the club. Freiburg will pay Bremen a record transfer fee for Backhaus, reportedly around twelve million euros, with potential performance-based bonuses. Jochen Saier, a member of Freiburg’s board, praised Backhaus, highlighting his high level of play and potential. Backhaus himself said that the move felt like the right fit for him, citing the people, city, stadium, and Freiburg’s style of football as convincing factors.
The transfer of Backhaus signals a change in Freiburg’s goalkeeping ranks, as Atubolu seeks an exit. Backhaus made 32 appearances in his first Bundesliga season.
Hein Stays at Bremen
With Backhaus’s departure, Werder Bremen have moved to secure their own goalkeeping future by finalising the permanent transfer of Karl Hein. The fee for Hein is reported to be around three million euros. Werder Bremen’s director, Clemens Fritz, acknowledged that Backhaus’s exit would be a loss, both on and off the pitch, but stated that Freiburg’s offer was financially too good to refuse.
Freiburg’s Goalkeeping Changes
Freiburg’s acquisition of Backhaus marks a record transfer fee for the club, surpassing the ten million euros paid for Baptiste Santamaria in 2020. Backhaus previously played for FC Volendam in the Netherlands. Initially, he had to wait behind Michael Zetterer before getting his chance in Bremen.
For Bremen, securing Hein provides stability in the goalkeeping position following Backhaus’s high-profile transfer.