Three top performers are only under contract with SV Werder Bremen until the end of the season. Further discussions about future cooperation are to be held with Ömer Toprak, Jiri Pavlenka and Milos Veljkovic.
What’s next? Milos Veljkovic and Ömer Toprak (right).
imago images/Nordphoto
In a few days the year begins in which the contracts of the top trio expire. Toprak, Pavlenka and Veljkovic are currently all regulars from Bremen. Clemens Fritz, head of professional football at Werder, now announces: “We will tackle the issue now. It is our priority that these talks are held.” The outcome of the three personnel decisions appears to be open – but also definitely questionable.
The Czech national goalkeeper recently practically ruled out that Pavlenka would agree to another year in the second division. After moving to Werder in the summer of 2017, he lost his regular place for the first time this season, and has only been number one again in Bremen since matchday 12. In the event of a promotion, the 29-year-old at least hinted at the beginning of December, but apparently staying would still be conceivable. Sounds like difficult negotiations.
We are still in the second division and planning for the summer is not that easy.
The situation is probably similar with Toprak, the captain of the team, who in the past also did not locate his own claims in the 2nd division. The central defender is – if he is fit – one of the outstanding players in the squad. But this subjunctive has always played too big a role in the past. In the first half of the season, the most experienced player in the second division (263 appearances) was now unable to play six league games in a row. The 32-year-old is one of the top earners in Bremen.
Fritz pointed out accordingly cautiously that any contract extensions by such players would also be an “economic issue”: “We are still in the second division and planning for the summer is not that easy.” Because the outcome of the second half of the season cannot be foreseen, nor is the athletic affiliation – and the associated financial resources. “We deal with both external and our own games,” explains the 41-year-old.
Not a big stage for Veljkovic in summer
Veljkovic, who has been with the club since 2016, has also proven himself at Werder this season – and may have already recommended himself for higher tasks. He has regained strength in the Serbian national team and was most recently a regular player in the selection that qualified for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. However, since this only takes place in winter, he does not get the opportunity to present himself on the big stage in summer – as usual. A decision about the future can therefore be expected in advance.
