Arsenal 23yo leaves on loan | OneFootball

Karl Hein has joined Werder Bremen on a season-long loan after spending last year as first-choice at Real Valladolid in La Liga.

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The 23-year-old Estonia international leaves north London in search of further top-flight experience, with Werder moving quickly following the departure of Michael Zetterer.

The deal was confirmed on Friday evening by Bremen’s head of professional football Peter Niemeyer, who said: “We’re pleased to have filled the gap left by Michael Zetterer’s departure so quickly with Karl.

“He’s a goalkeeper who impressed in La Liga last season and has also shown his qualities for the Estonian national team. With him, we’ve now got a complete group of high-quality goalkeepers.”

Werder’s goalkeeping coach Christian Vander added: “Karl is a young goalkeeper with huge potential. For his age, he already has a lot of match experience. On top of that, he’s trained at the highest level with Arsenal in recent years. He’s a good character and we’re convinced he’ll fit into the group and bring healthy competition.”

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Hein, who has already made 39 senior appearances for Estonia, described the move as straightforward. “The decision to move to Werder was very easy for me. It being such a big club with fantastic fans and a great stadium, I didn’t have to think twice. I’m really looking forward to getting started in Bremen.”

Hein joined Arsenal from Nõmme United in 2018 and signed his first professional contract the following year. His senior debut came in November 2022 against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup, but opportunities since then have been limited.

Loan spells have been crucial to his development. He made five appearances for Reading in the Championship in 2021-22 before excelling in Spain last season, where he featured 32 times for Valladolid across all competitions.

His international pedigree is also well established: a Baltic Cup winner with Estonia in 2020 and 2024, and twice named Estonian Young Footballer of the Year.

His Arsenal contract expires next summer.