Werder Bremen have confirmed their interest in signing Fortuna Düsseldorf captain and goalkeeper Florian Kastenmeier as the 2. Bundesliga side’s contract expires at the conclude of June, according to multiple German media reports.
The 28-year-old German shot-stopper has been Fortuna Düsseldorf’s first-choice goalkeeper for several seasons and currently serves as team captain. His contract with the Rhine-based club is set to expire on June 30, 2026, making him a potential free-agent target for Werder Bremen this summer.
Werder Bremen’s head coach Daniel Thioune, who previously worked with Kastenmeier during their time together at Fortuna Düsseldorf, has confirmed the club’s interest. Thioune stated that he had “many good years” with the goalkeeper and would not oppose working with him again in the future, describing such consideration as “completely normal” for personnel matters.
According to reports from Bild and DeichStube, Werder Bremen view Kastenmeier as a potential backup option, with the club likely to retain only one of their current goalkeepers – either 22-year-old Mio Backhaus or Karl Hein – for the upcoming season. The club is seeking to strengthen their goalkeeping department ahead of the new campaign.
Kastenmeier, born on June 28, 1997 in Regensburg, Germany, stands at 1.92 meters (6 feet 4 inches) and wears the number 33 jersey for Fortuna Düsseldorf. He began his professional career with Fortuna Düsseldorf in May 2019 after previous spells with FC Augsburg II and VfB Stuttgart II. As of December 28, 2025, he had made 196 appearances for Fortuna Düsseldorf across all competitions.
The goalkeeper’s Bundesliga debut came against Werder Bremen on January 18, 2020, when he stepped in for the injured Zack Steffen. Although Fortuna lost that match 1-0, with Kastenmeier scoring an own goal, he has since established himself as a reliable presence between the posts for Düsseldorf.
During the 2025-26 season, Kastenmeier has kept just four clean sheets in 28 league appearances for Fortuna Düsseldorf, who currently sit in 17th place in the 2. Bundesliga table. Despite the team’s struggles, he has remained a consistent starter and vocal leader in the dressing room.
Werder Bremen’s pursuit of Kastenmeier comes amid broader goalkeeping activity, with reports indicating that 22-year-old Mio Backhaus has attracted interest from Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion and Serie A club AC Milan. This potential departure could create an opening for Bremen to bring in experienced depth.
Initial talks between Werder Bremen and Kastenmeier’s representatives have reportedly taken place, though Bild notes that both parties have not yet reached agreement on salary terms. The club’s sporting department continues to evaluate options as they prepare for the summer transfer window.
As the June 30 contract expiration date approaches, Fortuna Düsseldorf face the prospect of losing their captain and long-serving goalkeeper on a free transfer. The club may seek to negotiate an extension to retain his services, particularly given his leadership role and familiarity with the squad.
For Werder Bremen, securing Kastenmeier would add a veteran presence to their goalkeeping ranks, providing experienced backup whereas allowing younger options like Backhaus or Hein to develop. His prior working relationship with head coach Thioune could facilitate a smooth integration into the team’s setup.
The situation highlights the ongoing goalkeeper carousel in German football, with clubs across the divisions assessing their options ahead of the new season. Werder Bremen’s interest in both Backhaus and Kastenmeier demonstrates their commitment to strengthening this position regardless of which direction the market moves.
As of April 26, 2026, no official offer has been submitted for Kastenmeier and Fortuna Düsseldorf have not publicly commented on whether they will attempt to extend his contract beyond its current expiration date. The coming weeks will determine whether the Regensburg native makes a move to the Weser Stadium or remains loyal to the club where he has spent the majority of his professional career.
Werder Bremen fans will be watching closely as the club navigates this goalkeeping dilemma, balancing the potential retention of promising young talent against the acquisition of experienced leadership for the challenges ahead in the 2. Bundesliga and potential promotion push.
Stay tuned to Archysport for continued updates on this developing story and all the latest news from the world of football.
