Werder Bremen have today confirmed the news of two contract signatures, with experienced midfielder Fin Bartels and exciting youngster Niklas Schmidt both putting pen to paper on their respective deals.

Bartels to continue having an influence on the first team

29-year-old Bartels has been at Bremen for two years now, racking up 66 appearances for the club in that time, whilst contributing a healthy 14 goals. He'll be hoping to double both of those tallies, at least, in the coming years, with his deal set to keep him at the Bundesliga club until 2019.

Speaking about the new deal, Bartels explained that everything was finalised so quickly due to his happiness at the club, quipping; "The city, the fans, the stadium, the team spirit - everything here is right".

There was praise for the midfielder from sporting director Frank Baumann, who hailed Bartles for becoming a "key performer" since joining, stating his delight that the player can "continue to be a leader in the coming years", given that he is "well respected within the team".

Schmidt in action at youth level for Bremen (photo: zimbio)
Schmidt in action at youth level for Bremen (photo: zimbio)

Schmidt in with the big boys

The other contract confirmed was that of 18-year-old Niklas Schmidt, a proud day for the player's family as he signed his first professional contract, with a view to him breaking into Viktor Skrypnyk's team next season.

Baumann commented on Schmidt's deal too, stating that he'd earnt the contract, having "developed really well over the past few years" at youth level, and they club will now "carefully guide him towards his first appearance in the Bundesliga".

The attacking midfielder also offered a few words to Bremen's official website about the news, sounding modest as he said "it's only the first step in my development".

However, he was clearly proud of his achievement, stating that "every young footballer works towards this goal", and that he wants to "keep on making good impressions" as he moves up a level.

VAVEL Logo
About the author