News Focus
- Werder Bremen reject opening offer from TSG Hoffenheim for midfielder Jens Stage
- Chairman Klaus Filbry confirms the bid did not match the player’s market value
- Danish international remains under contract at the Weser-Stadion until 2028
- Recent €15 million sale of Mio Backhaus to Freiburg eases financial pressure to sell
- Hoffenheim target Stage as replacement for Stuttgart-bound Grischa Prömel
Werder Bremen have turned down an initial approach from fellow Bundesliga side TSG Hoffenheim for midfielder Jens Stage. The Sinsheim-based club tabled a bid believed to be in the region of €10 million, which the Bremen hierarchy dismissed as insufficient.
Klaus Filbry, chairman of the Green-Whites, confirmed the rejected proposal in an interview with Kicker. He stressed that Stage remains tied to the club on a long-term deal.
“First and foremost, Jens is under a long-term contract with us,” Filbry stated. “It is true that Hoffenheim made an offer, but it was not in line with market value. Therefore, it is not something we need to engage with further.”
The north German club currently holds a strong negotiating position. They recently completed the sale of goalkeeper Mio Backhaus to SC Freiburg for a reported fee of €15 million. This influx of cash means Werder are under no immediate financial pressure to offload their Danish international.
“There are now hardly any clubs in the Bundesliga that are not dependent on transfer income,” Filbry added. “However, we are generally in a strong position and do not have to approve every transfer.”
Stage has already agreed personal terms with Hoffenheim, who view him as the ideal candidate to replace Grischa Prömel. The latter is set to join VfB Stuttgart. It remains unclear whether Hoffenheim will return with an improved bid that meets Werder’s valuation.