Werder Bremen open up talks with Freiburg over possible Eren Dinkçi return | OneFootball

SV Werder Bremen have taken another step towards potentially bringing former academy attacker Eren Dinkçi back to his old Bundesliga club. According to DeichStube, Werder have now contacted SC Freiburg directly to inquire about the conditions under which the 24-year-old could return to Bremen. A loan is currently under discussion. Freiburg would, however, reportedly prefer any temporary deal to contain an obligation to buy.

Werder must decide which attacking profile to pursue

A Dinkçi return also depends upon a broader strategic decision at the Weserstadion. Werder are still debating whether their remaining attacking resources should be devoted to a conventional center forward or a more versatile attacker capable of operating on the flanks. The club’s current financial situation appears to make signing both impossible.

Werder already possess Cedric Itten and 20-year-old Salim Musah as natural center forwards. Keke Topp is also expected to return from a cruciate ligament injury during the winter. Young French striker Kenny Quetant was brought in this summer. Bremen nevertheless continue assessing whether another proven No. 9 is a necessity given the relative experience of the active trio. 

DeichStube reports that Tomas Bobcek and Bologna striker Thijs Dallinga are among the options being considered. Werder have made enquiries concerning both players, though their current asking prices remain prohibitive and no concrete negotiations have begun. Should Bremen instead prioritize a flexible attacking player, Dinkçi could become considerably more relevant.

The former Werder youngster operates primarily from the flanks but possesses enough pace to function as a mobile central striker.

Dinkçi enjoyed his Bundesliga breakthrough after leaving Bremen on loan

Dinkçi’s potential return would complete an unusual career circle. The Bremen native progressed through Werder’s academy before establishing himself more prominently during a spectacular 2023/24 loan spell with 1. FC Heidenheim. Get German Football News covered Dinkçi’s remarkable Heidenheim development after the attacker scored ten Bundesliga goals and supplied six assists during his first season under Frank Schmidt.

His estimated market value rose from approximately €1m to €12m, while Freiburg moved early to secure his services from Werder for a reported €5m. Dinkçi then produced one final twist before leaving Heidenheim. His brace against Köln on Matchday 34 helped Schmidt’s side qualify for European football at Freiburg’s expense after his move to the Breisgau club had already been agreed. Dinkçi famously quipped that he had “messed up” life at his next station. 

Freiburg move failed to reproduce Heidenheim success

Dinkçi never managed to replicate that production after arriving in Freiburg. GGFN examined the reasons behind his difficult Freiburg spell when Köln explored a loan move last January. The winger registered four assists but failed to score a Bundesliga goal during his first Freiburg campaign. Tactical circumstances also played a role.

Ritsu Doan’s presence on the right frequently pushed Dinkçi towards more central positions, while the compact attacking structure employed under Julian Schuster offered less space for the kind of direct running that had made him so dangerous for Heidenheim. The following campaign brought further problems.

Dinkçi endured a poor opening spell, suffered a hip injury and faced increased attacking competition from players such as Jan-Niklas Beste, Johan Manzambi, Derry Scherhant and Yuito Suzuki. Freiburg eventually sanctioned a temporary departure.

Heidenheim loan restored some momentum

GGFN covered Dinkçi’s six-month return to Heidenheim in January. The loan contained no purchase option, leaving Freiburg in control of his long-term future. Back in familiar surroundings, Dinkçi rediscovered some of his effectiveness. He registered three goals and three assists in 14 appearances despite Heidenheim ultimately suffering relegation.

Schmidt also demonstrated that Dinkçi’s game had evolved beyond merely attacking space from the right flank. At times the Heidenheim coach used him as a deeper No. 10, allowing the former Werder player to distribute from central areas and link midfield with attack.

That greater versatility now fits precisely the alternative attacking profile Bremen are discussing.

Personal circumstances remain an important consideration

Any transfer decision also carries a significant personal dimension. GGFN recently covered Dinkçi discussing both his uncertain Freiburg future and his wife Cinja’s ongoing leukemia treatment. Dinkçi made clear that his wife remains “priority number one” while receiving treatment in Freiburg and described football as an important emotional “anchor” during an exceptionally difficult period.

Freiburg sporting director Klemens Hartenbach has meanwhile praised Dinkçi’s preseason work and indicated that the club would still consider him a useful player should he remain. Werder now represent a genuine alternative. The two clubs have at least begun discussing the framework of a possible return.

GGFN | Peter Weis