Aron Johannsson is in Germany for a medical with Werder Bremen of the Bundesliga, with the fee reportedly set for €5 million.
Although AZ Alkmaar initially rejected the offer, they were still willing to talk to Bremen to settle on a fee, and the clubs have agreed to a deal. Alkmaar announced it on their club website, saying: "AZ has reached an agreement in outline with Werder Bremen over the transfer of Aron Johannsson. The club has given the 24- year-old striker permission to come to a personal agreement with the Germans. Johannsson will not be traveling Wednesday with AZ to Turkey. If AZ and Werder’s agreement works out completely, and Johannsson also reaches a personal agreement and passes the medical examination, the American International will sign a multi-year contract with Werder Bremen.”
It will be a big loss for the Dutch club as the Bundesliga gets one of the most consistent strikers in the Eredivise. Since joining the club in 2013, Johannson has scored 38 goals in 84 games.
It is a good move for Bremen as they push for a higher place in the Bundesliga after they finished 10th in the German league last year.
Johannsson will join the growing contingent of US internationals are looking to play in Germany these days. It is a good move up for him as he will face stronger competition than he did in the Dutch league.
USA manager Jurgen Klinsmann is hoping that this move will not only be a good test for the young striker, but he will improve internationally as well. He has shown times where he can be a top international striker and times where you can't seem to find him on the pitch. Consistency will be the thing to look for with Johannsson. One thing the pool of US strikers have lacked is consistency. If Johannsson can perform well and consistently then he could grow into the USMNT's perferred striker at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
He will be the main man in attack for Bremen as they have lost one of their attackers to Schalke this summer. The Bundesliga will be a step up for Johannsson and all eyes will be on the 24-year-old to see if he can make the transition to a more competitive league.