Werder Bremen Hand New Contract to Promising Young Goalkeeper Mio Backhaus
Werder Bremen have extended the contract of 21-year-old German goalkeeper Mio Backhaus, signaling their belief in his potential. While this move could have implications for the future of current first-choice goalkeeper Michael Zetterer, who has been linked with a possible departure, the club is likely to ease Backhaus into top-flight action gradually rather than rush his Bundesliga debut.
Backhaus, a Mönchengladbach native, has featured 14 times for Germany at youth levels up to the U20s. Despite not yet making an appearance in the Bundesliga, he is clearly seen as a key figure in Werder’s long-term plans between the posts.
It remains uncertain whether Backhaus will be thrown into the starting role as abruptly as Freiburg’s Noah Atubolu was. Meanwhile, speculation about Zetterer’s move to FC Copenhagen appears to be fading, with the Danish club now reportedly targeting Bayer Leverkusen’s Matej Kovar instead, according to Sport Bild.
The same report also notes that Backhaus’s new contract includes an undisclosed release clause, giving the €2 million-rated goalkeeper the option to explore opportunities elsewhere if the right situation arises.
Speaking on the new deal, Backhaus stated: “From the beginning, Werder clearly outlined the path they see for me. That left a strong impression on me and gives me the confidence that I can continue to grow here. I’m aware of the tough competition – and that’s exactly what motivates me. I want to live up to the trust the club has shown in me.”
SV Werder licensing director Peter Niemeyer added: “Mio is an outstanding goalkeeping talent with the potential to reach Bundesliga level. We are very pleased with his progress. He embodies what it means to be a modern goalkeeper – hardworking, driven, and constantly pushing himself to improve. He’s a key member of our goalkeeping unit.”
