On Saturday afternoon, Bundesliga club Werder Bremen officially announced that they have triggered the purchase option to sign Estonia national team goalkeeper Karl Hein on a permanent deal after the goalkeeper spent this season on loan from Arsenal. According to German media reports, Hein is expected to sign a contract running until 2030.
The 24-year-old goalkeeper served as Bremen’s second-choice keeper this season behind Germany U-21 international Mio Backhaus, who will leave the club this summer after joining SC Freiburg following their run to the UEFA Europa League final.
Hein made two Bundesliga appearances during the campaign – in an away defeat against FC Bayern Munich and a home victory over FC St. Pauli. In March, the Estonian international suffered a hand injury that kept him sidelined until the end of the season, although Werder confirmed in their official statement that the goalkeeper has now fully recovered.
“From both a sporting and personal perspective, Mio’s departure is not an easy one for us. He played a very impressive debut Bundesliga season and also brought huge value to the dressing room by way of the person that he is. However, SC Freiburg submitted an offer that represents both a major opportunity for Mio and an extremely lucrative move for us financially, and so all parties are glad with how the move has gone. We wish Mio nothing but the very best for the future,” said Werder sporting director Clemens Fritz.
“At the same time, Werder have activated the purchase option for Karl Hein. Karl already showed last season that he is a goalkeeper of the highest quality. We’re therefore delighted to head into the new campaign with a strong number one between the posts,” Fritz added.
“I’m delighted to be staying in Bremen for longer. Werder is one of the Bundesliga’s biggest clubs with a rich history. I felt at home in the city of Bremen and at SVW from day one, and I’m delighted to be able to continue being part of this institution,” said Hein.
The goalkeeper, who came through the academy of Nõmme United, joined Arsenal’s academy in the summer of 2018. During his six years with the London club, Hein made one appearance for Arsenal’s first team. He also spent half a season on loan at Reading FC in the Championship.
Over the last two seasons, Hein has now been part of clubs in Europe’s Top 5 leagues. Last season he was the starting goalkeeper for Real Valladolid in La Liga, while this season he represented Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga.
The goalkeeper, who has earned 45 caps for the Estonia national team, was presented in Werder Bremen’s statement as the club’s new number one goalkeeper. Werder finished the Bundesliga season in 15th place, successfully retaining their spot in Germany’s top division.
Source: https://www.werder.de/en/news/first-team/2025-2026/backhaus-leaves-hein-new-number-one-23052026
