Freiburg land highly rated goalkeeper Mio Backhaus from Werder Bremen
Freiburg have strengthened their squad ahead of the new Bundesliga season with the signing of Germany U21 international goalkeeper Mio Backhaus from Werder Bremen.
Enjoying a breakout season in the Bundesliga in 2025/26, Backhaus kept five clean sheets in 32 Bundesliga games to help Die Grün-Weißen preserve their top-flight status.
The 22-year-old has also established himself at international level in recent years, having played for every Germany youth side from the U15s to the U21s.
"[Backhaus] impressively demonstrated the high level of play he can achieve in his first Bundesliga season. His calm and focused manner is contagious," said Freiburg chief sporting officer Jochen Saier.
"He covers all facets of goalkeeping, possesses great potential for development, and will also fit in very well with our team on a personal level. With Mio, we will continue to have a fantastic goalkeeping trio in the future."
Backhaus is now set to join Freiburg for the 2026/27 season, fresh from the club's maiden appearance in a UEFA Europa League final. It currently remains to be seen how his arrival will impact the future of star keeper Noah Atubolu, however.
Bremen, meanwhile, have moved quickly to secure an immediate replacement for Backhaus. Karl Hein, who spent this past season on loan at the German club, will sign for Bremen on a permanent basis this summer from Arsenal.
"A door has opened, and I feel like I fit right through it," Backhaus explained. "The whole package – the people I've spoken to here, the city, the stadium, and the style of football played in Freiburg – has led to this decision. I want to achieve something with the team, and I'm looking forward to joining the club."
