Cedric Itten (29) relishing long-awaited second Bundesliga chance with Werder Bremen | OneFootball

Cedric Itten approaches his move to Werder Bremen as an opportunity to complete some unfinished Bundesliga business.

The Swiss international previously spent less than five months in Germany’s top flight with Greuther Fürth during the 2021/22 campaign. That brief loan yielded two goals in 12 league appearances before Rangers activated an early recall clause and brought him back to Glasgow.

Five years later, Itten returns as a considerably more experienced striker. The 29-year-old joins Werder following a 15-goal season with Fortuna Düsseldorf and a historic World Cup campaign with Switzerland.

Cedric Itten’s first Bundesliga chance ended abruptly

Fürth signed Itten on loan from Rangers in August 2021. The newly promoted club viewed the 1.90-meter-tall striker as a powerful penalty-area presence capable of providing the goals required for an improbable survival bid.

Itten opened his Bundesliga account with a well-taken late header against Bayern Munich. Timothy Tillman supplied the cross as the Swiss striker provided Fürth with a consolation goal in a 3–1 defeat.

His second goal proved considerably more dramatic. Itten converted in second-half stoppage time against Eintracht Frankfurt and appeared to have secured only Fürth’s second point of the season. Rafael Borré restored Frankfurt’s lead just two minutes later.

The campaign otherwise offered Itten few opportunities to establish himself. Fürth struggled badly throughout the first half of the season, while captain Branimir Hrgota and Jamie Leweling moved ahead of the loanee in Stefan Leitl’s attacking hierarchy.

Itten started only once after the 11th matchday and was substituted at half-time during a December defeat to Borussia Dortmund. Rangers subsequently concluded that he was not receiving the playing time anticipated when the loan was arranged.

The Scottish club activated an early-return clause in January 2022. Itten departed five months before the loan was scheduled to expire, leaving his first Bundesliga spell with two goals but little chance to demonstrate whether he could succeed over a complete campaign.

Bremen present a different starting point

Itten believes he returns to the German top flight under entirely different circumstances. Fürth entered the 2021/22 season with one of the league’s smallest budgets and were widely expected to suffer immediate relegation.

“The starting position was different because it was essentially clear that we would probably be relegated again immediately,” Itten said. “I’ve gained experience since then, become older and matured physically. I’ve developed in many areas and also really grown as a person.”

His route back to the Bundesliga included spells with Rangers, Young Boys and Düsseldorf. Despite Fortuna’s relegation to the 3. Liga, Itten’s 15 goals earned him a place in Switzerland’s World Cup squad.

The Swiss subsequently reached the quarterfinals for the first time since 1954, creating a sharp emotional contrast with Düsseldorf’s club campaign.

“The relegation was hard to accept,” Itten said at a Wednesday Bremen press event. “At the same time, a childhood dream came true.”

Thioune recruits a familiar face

Thioune had already persuaded Itten to join Düsseldorf one year earlier. Their established relationship allowed the coach to outline Werder’s plans before the World Cup began.

Itten has previously demonstrated that he can work effectively alongside another centre-forward. He scored 19 goals for St. Gallen while playing with current Stuttgart striker Ermedin Demirović, who contributed 14 during the same campaign.

He can therefore operate alone or in a pairing should Thioune wish to change Bremen’s attacking structure.

The new arrival will nevertheless face immediate competition. Salim Musah has used preseason to strengthen his own claim for a starting position, scoring against Bochum and Energie Cottbus while Itten received additional leave following the World Cup.

Unlike at Fürth, Itten now arrives at the direct request of a coach who knows his qualities and has already recruited him twice. His task is to ensure that his second Bundesliga stay lasts considerably longer than the first.

“That was decisive in ensuring that I signed during the World Cup,” Itten said. “I had other possibilities, but the overall package is perfect for my next step.”

Itten looking forward to the Nordderby

“There’s plenty [to look forward to],” Itten remarked at the presser when asked what he was most eagerly anticipating. “Every weekend in the Bundesliga is a highlight. There’s the [Nord]derby. I’ve heard a lot about it from [Swiss national team colleague] Miro Muheim of HSV.

“That’s a great game with an incredible atmosphere,” Itten continued. “Of course, I’m also really looking forward to the first [Werder] home game; the chance to experience that with the home fans. Beyond that, there’s also Bayern, Dortmund and the like.” 

Itten then had to explain a comment he made during the World Cup; one in which he jokingly said that he couldn’t speak to teammate Muheim anymore due to the fact that they played for rival Bundesliga clubs. 

“No, no, no,” Itten insisted. “We’re good friends. We played together at St. Gallen. We know each other well. We just teased each other. He told me that he couldn’t roll with me anymore if I signed for Bremen, but that was just a joke.”

GGFN | Peter Weis