Werder Bremen sign Arsenal goalkeeper Karl Hein on loan

Werder Bremen have signed Arsenal and Estonia goalkeeper Karl Hein on a season-long loan deal.

Hein's arrival follows Michael Zetterer's transfer to Bundesliga rivals Eintracht Frankfurt.

The 23-year-old, who has won 39 senior international caps, made 32 appearances during a loan stint with Spain's Real Valladolid last season.

"We are delighted that we were able to fill the vacancy left by Michael Zetterer so quickly with Karl," said Werder's head of professional football Peter Niemeyer.

"We have signed a goalkeeper who impressed in La Liga last year and has also demonstrated his qualities for the Estonia national team."

Hein has also played in England with Reading, where he made five appearances during the 2021/22 Championship season. His sole outing for parent club Arsenal came the following season in the 2022/23 Carabao Cup.

He will compete with Mio Backhaus for the No.1 shirt at Bremen.

"For me, the decision to move to Werder was very easy," he explained.

"With such a traditional club with great fans and a beautiful stadium, I didn't have to think twice. I'm looking forward to getting started in Bremen."

Bremen kick off their Bundesliga season in Frankfurt on Saturday. The Green-Whites - now coached by Horst Steffen - are looking to bounce back from defeat to Bundesliga 2's Arminia Bielefeld in the DFB Cup first round.

About the clubs

Werder Bremen

Weserstadion