Werder Bremen reach agreement to sign Swiss World Cup forward Cedric Itten
Swiss striker Cedric Itten, currently at the World Cup, has verbally agreed to join Werder Bremen on a free transfer after Fortuna Düsseldorf's relegation to the 3. Liga voided his contract.
Background
Cedric Itten, 29, scored 15 goals for Fortuna Düsseldorf last season but could not prevent the club's relegation to Germany's third division. His contract included a clause that made it invalid for the 3. Liga, allowing him to leave on a free transfer after 30 June. Multiple clubs had shown interest in the Swiss international, whose individual performances kept him in the national team frame despite the team's struggles.
The agreement with Bremen
According to reports from the portal "Deichstube", Werder Bremen have reached a verbal agreement with Itten. The Bundesliga side are expected to finalize the transfer while the player is still at the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Itten is set to join Bremen without a fee, a move that would see him reunite with coach Daniel Thioune.
World Cup context
Itten is part of Switzerland's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He was an unused substitute in the opening group match, a 1–1 draw against Qatar. Despite not playing, the focus quickly shifted to his club future, with reports emerging hours after the final whistle that he had made his decision.
Reunion with Thioune
Itten previously worked with Daniel Thioune at Fortuna Düsseldorf. After his move from Young Boys Bern last summer, they worked together until Thioune was dismissed as head coach in October. The striker's familiarity with the coach is seen as a factor in his choice of Bremen.
What comes next
The transfer is expected to be completed in the coming days, with a signature likely while Itten remains on international duty. The free transfer represents a cost-effective addition for Werder Bremen as they prepare for the new Bundesliga campaign.
