Werder Bremen were active again on the transfer market with the January transfer window coming to a close. The German youth international Mesut Özil moves to the Weser from Bundesliga rivals FC Schalke 04. The 19 year old attacking midfielder signed a contract with the Green-Whites today until 30.06.2011 having earlier passed a fitness test.

General manager Klaus Allofs stated: “It was a fantastic opportunity to snap up a 19 year old German youth international who is has great pace, is technically talented and possesses an amazing amount of potential.” Head coach Thomas Schaaf commented on the new signing: “I’m looking forward to working together with him. He offers us the chance to improve our squad even more in the midfield and remain flexible.”

Özil himself was very satisfied having signed with the north German club: “I had some good discussions with Thomas Schaaf and Klaus Allofs. Werder are one of the top clubs in Germany and are always amongst the top sides in the league. Many players who have come here have improved themselves and I see myself as having the best opportunity to develop as a player here. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”