Werder Bremen have announced the signing of talented American teenager Ethan Kohler from Oakland Roots.
It has been a transfer that has been planned over the past few months, with the 18-year-old taking time to acclimatise to his new surroundings over the past few weeks after staying in Bremen. However, with the transfer now complete, Kohler will be sent to develop with the under-23 squad, as well as the under-19’s who compete in the junior Bundesliga.
Talking about the signing, Bremen head of scouting and professional football Clemens Fritz said: “Ethan is a very ambitious player, with a good vision and a good understanding of the game. He has developed well so far and can play as a centre-back as well as a number six. We see him primarily as a number six and want to continue his development with us.”
Kohler added: “Of course it is a huge step for me to move from America to Europe, but Werder is a big club in Germany and I’m really looking forward to the challenge in Bremen.”
The teenager may be following a similar path to his fellow countryman Josh Sargent, who joined Bremen from IMG Academy in 2017. The striker worked his way up through the youth ranks for Die Werdener before making 83 appearances for the first team, scoring 15 goals and collecting nine assists earning him a move to Premier League side Norwich City in 2021.
GGFN | Will Shopland