Following a 1–0 defeat to TSG Hoffenheim over the weekend, Werder Bremen celebrated their Bundesliga survival, and the club is now pushing forward with plans for the upcoming season. According to regional outlet “Deichstube,” Real Valladolid playmaker Chuki is expected to undergo a medical at the Weserstadion on Monday. The 22-year-old becomes the second new signing of the summer window, following Kenny Quetant.
Like Quetant, Chuki’s contract expires at the end of the current season, meaning he will join Werder Bremen on a free transfer. The Spaniard is set to sign a long-term deal through 2030. Last week, “Deichstube” reported that Chuki had already visited the club to get a feel for the environment. With VfL Wolfsburg and FC St. Pauli both losing their Saturday matches, Bremen’s top-flight status was finally secured, allowing the Chuki deal to be finalized.
Chuki came through the youth system at Real Valladolid and became part of the senior squad last season when the club was relegated from LaLiga. After making his first top-flight appearances, he developed into a key player this term. With seven goals and eight assists in 34 games, he is his team’s top scorer—Valladolid has managed only 41 goals in 38 matches and sits 15th. His market value has risen from €1.5 million last summer to €5 million, making him the most valuable player in the squad.
Chuki’s strong performances in Spain’s second division, combined with his contract situation, attracted several suitors during the spring. Both VfB Stuttgart and RB Leipzig showed interest, and Cesc Fàbregas wanted to bring his compatriot to Como. According to a report from “Marca,” Werder Bremen beat out Bundesliga rivals Hamburger SV and Schalke 04 to sign him.
**Karbownik Move Falls Through**
Michal Karbownik of Hertha BSC, long linked with a move to Bremen, will not be joining the club. The versatile left-back was repeatedly mentioned as a candidate earlier this spring, but he hesitated due to the uncertainty of Bremen’s league status. Multiple media reports now indicate that the club has dropped its pursuit.
Coach Daniel Thioune is highly pleased with the squad building so far. “What I have been able to be part of looks very promising so far,” said the 51-year-old. Thioune, formerly of Fortuna Düsseldorf, replaced Horst Steffen, who was dismissed in February. He guided the team to safety with 13 points from 13 matches. Statistically, that makes him the least successful coach in club history among those who have taken charge of at least 10 games. He has repeatedly stressed that he wants to change the defensive-minded style that defined his early tenure. “I have some ideas,” the coach remarked.
Bremen aim to complete their analysis of a disappointing season after Saturday’s match against runners-up Borussia Dortmund. A loss would make it the third-worst campaign in club history—only the 2019–20 and 2020–21 seasons, with 31 points each, were worse. Sporting director Clemens Fritz stated: “We started the review during the season and will now finish working through this intensive campaign. We will analyze all relevant areas of our professional squad.”
Particular attention will be paid to transfer market activity, which has been heavily criticized over the season. With Quetant and Chuki already secured on free transfers, the club is moving forward.
