Werder have added another present to the pile their fans have already recieved this Christmas. After the "Mid-season" championship and to start the second half of the season, Werder fans can look forward to seeing Finnish international Pekka Lagerblom from FC Lahti at the Weser stadium. The 21-year-old midfielder comes on a free transfer and signed for Werder on Wednesday afternoon in a deal that sees him in Bremen until June 30th 2006.

Head-coach Thomas Schaaf expects great things from Lagerblom: "He is a very talented young player who has captured our interest with his fantastic combining abilities and his intelligent reading of the game. We are really looking forward to having him with us in January, he'll be another boost to our squad".

The Finn, who stands at 1,80m, has recently taken part in his first two A-internationals against Honduras and Costa Rica. At home in Finnland he has been named U-21 International Player of the Year and was named in the All-Star team of the Finnish league. Lagerblom is now the second Finn to take his place in Werder Bremens 40 year "Bundesliga" history. Fellow countryman Pasi Rautiainen played for Bremen in the second division during the 1981/1982 season. Lagerblom, who had also had offers from Sweden and Belgium, is excited about his new challenge: "This has been a dream of mine, now I want too give everything to make a name for myself in Bremen".

The Finnish league ended in October where Lagerblom finished in fifth place with FC Lahti. He'll be expected in Bremen on January 1st.