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Werder Bremen’s Deichstube fan-site currently confirms a Telegraph report concerning the Bundesliga club’s interest in Scottish midfielder Jordan Holsgrove. The 26-year-old has developed into a key player for GD Estoril Praia over the course of the past three seasons. Holsgrove – also reportedly courted by Charlton – has doubled his estimated market value from €2.5m to €5m over the past 16 months.
What have Werder Bremen been up to this summer?
In stark contrast to last season, the Hanseatic city-state side has been proactive in addressing most of its personnel needs. Following the departure of keeper Mio Backhaus to Freiburg, Clemens Fritz and the SVW administrative team brought in two keepers to contest the No. 1 role. Arsenal man Karl Hein was purchased permanently while experienced Austrian Alexander Schlager was recently signed to give Hein a push.
New centre-back Oscar Wojcik and Spanish striker Chuki are already making an impact in training camp. The most pressing priority at the moment revolves around midfield upgrades. The departure of Leonardo Bittencourt and the fact that Jens Stage will probably move to Hoffenheim leave Werder in need of more players capable of working the third and fourth tactical axes.
Chuki’s Spanish compatriot Cameron Puertas (one goal and two assists in 28 Bundesliga appearances last year) officially returned to his Saudi loan club of Al-Qadisah on July 1st. A permanent signing of the €7m-valued central midfielder is not considered a viable option. Holsgrove could be purchased for significantly less, or simply acquired on a low-risk loan deal.
