Werder Bremen are trying to work out a quick double swoop for Fulham’s Bryan Ruiz and Hamburg’s Per Ciljan Skjelbred according to German paper 'Kicker'.
With the majority of signings concluded for Werder, they look set to try and attempt to bolster their squad with attacking talent. Per Ciljan Skjelbred had previously been heavily linked with a move back to Hertha BSC, where he spent last season on loan. However, the German capital based club did not want to match Hamburg’s asking price of €2.5m. Hertha BSC’s last offer has been stated at €750,000, which is even a figure Werder Bremen would be unlikely to match. The cash strapped club currently has a net loss on transfers, although this looks set to be rectified by the imminent sale of Mehmet Ekici to Trabzonspor for €1m.
The fee from the sale of Ekici should be able to fund a loan bid for Skjelbred, whose contract runs out at the end of this season, being June 2015. If successful, Werder would have the option to approach the player on a pre-contract deal in January, therefore reducing the need to pay Hamburg a transfer fee. The only issue will be if Hertha BSC re-enter negotiations as the player and his family were settled in Berlin from last season.
The situation with Bryan Ruiz is also contractually similar to Skjelbred as his deal also runs out in June 2015. Ruiz has been attracting more suitors with Besiktas and Olympiacos keen after his performances in the World Cup with Costa Rica. However, Fulham are reluctant to let their 4th most expensive signing leave for costless and have demanded at least €6m to recoup some of the €12m they paid FC Twente in 2011. Last season Ruiz went on loan in January to PSV Eindhoven, which could signal a chance for Werder Bremen to be successful with a loan offer. Reports have suggested that Olympiacos are keen on a deal and are looking to sign him for costless, which is obviously something Fulham are not interested in. Kicker also reported that Besiktas matched the €6m asking price but Ruiz refused, stating he had no intention to move to Turkey. With the player wanting away from Fulham, a move to Germany could be on the cards, but Greek champions Olympiacos are able to offer UEFA Champions League football.
The best hope for Werder Bremen will be if they can sort out loan deals for both Skjelbred and Ruiz, while trying to fend off interest from Hertha BSC and Olympiacos.