Werder Bremen sign Markus Kolke

33-year-old to become third-choice goalkeeper

Kolke with a ball in his hand in front of a Werder-style wall.
Kolke was captain at his last club Hansa Rostock (Photo: W.DE).
First Team
Friday, 07.06.2024 / 17:30

SV Werder Bremen have completed the signing of experienced goalkeeper Markus Kolke. The 33-year-old will arrive from Hansa Rostock and be the club’s third-choice keeper, confirmed Clemens Fritz, head of professional football, on Friday.

“Markus is exactly what we were looking for. We were searching the market for an experienced keeper, one who could put pressure on Michael Zetterer and Mio Backhaus in training, plus his experience can play an important role in the dressing room. We’re really pleased that we’ve secured the services of Markus,” explained Clemens Fritz.

Markus Kolke signs his contract.
Kolke is excited for his new challenge in Bremen (Photo: W.DE).

Goalkeeping coach Christian Vander is also pleased with the new addition to his group: “Markus has been a first-choice goalkeeper over the past 11 years for Wehen Wiesbaden and Hansa Rostock, and showed what he’s capable of in over 400 competitive games in the second and third division. On top of this, he captained Rostock for a number of years and was a real leader for them. We’re fully confident that he’ll display all these qualities on and off the pitch at our club.”

The 33-year-old will also be taking on a new role upon his move to the Weser. “I’m really looking forward to coming to Bremen. I made the conscious decision to join the club and am happy to take on the role as a back-up goalkeeper. I’m aware of the fact that I won’t get a lot of minutes with the first team, but if I get called upon, I’ll be ready. I’ll give my all in every single training session and help my fellow keepers progress so that we can be successful in next season’s Bundesliga.”

Markus Kolke made 186 appearances in both the second and third division over the five years he spent at Hansa Rostock, who were relegated at the end of the 2023/24 season. The 33-year-old was also previously the first-choice keeper for Wehen Wiesbaden, where he played between the sticks in 232 games over a six-year spell at the club.

 

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