Werder Bremen have identified VfL Wolfsburg midfielder Mattias Svanberg as a priority target to replace Jens Stage, though any move depends on Stage completing his anticipated transfer to TSG Hoffenheim.
Reports from Wolfsburger Allgemeine Zeitung and DeichStube indicate that manager Daniel Thioune’s side have registered interest in the Swedish international. However, the club will only progress with Svanberg once Stage’s exit is confirmed.
Stage exit demands
Hoffenheim are pursuing Stage, the 29-year-old Danish midfielder who contributed ten goals last season. Werder Bremen have set their asking price at more than €10 million, a fee that reflects his importance to the side.
Bremen’s strategy appears designed to avoid a midfield void. By securing Svanberg’s availability before sanctioning Stage’s departure, they aim to maintain squad depth for the upcoming campaign.
Wolfsburg’s relegation dilemma
Svanberg, 27, finds himself in a precarious position following Wolfsburg’s first-ever relegation from the Bundesliga. Despite holding a contract until 2027, the central midfielder is expected to be made available as the club seeks to raise funds following their playoff defeat to Paderborn.
The Sweden international has accumulated 101 Bundesliga appearances since joining from Bologna. His experience at the highest level makes him an attractive proposition for Bremen, particularly given Wolfsburg’s weakened negotiating stance after dropping to the second tier.
However, the length of his contract means Wolfsburg are under no immediate pressure to sell cheaply, creating a complex valuation scenario.
International credentials
Svanberg’s reputation extends beyond domestic football. He marked his World Cup debut with a goal against Tunisia, scoring within seconds of entering the pitch. This international pedigree adds to his appeal as Bremen look to strengthen their midfield options.
The situation highlights the interconnected nature of the transfer market, where one move triggers another. For Svanberg, a switch to Bremen would represent a chance to remain in the Bundesliga despite his current club’s relegation, while Wolfsburg would secure much-needed revenue to rebuild for their second-tier campaign.
The next phase of this transfer chain hinges on Hoffenheim’s willingness to meet Bremen’s valuation for Stage. Should that deal materialise, negotiations for Svanberg would likely accelerate quickly.