Werder Bremen has reached an agreement with Dawid Kownacki to terminate the Polish striker’s contract ahead of schedule, ending a three-year stint at the Weserstadion defined by limited playing time and two separate loan spells. Club officials confirmed the departure, noting that the mutual decision allows the Bundesliga side to clear a significant financial obligation while the 29-year-old forward searches for a new club as a free agent.
The sudden termination of the contract, which originally ran until the summer of 2027, will save Werder Bremen approximately €750,000, according to reporting by Bild. Managing Director Clemens Fritz explained that discussions over recent weeks made it clear that parting ways was the most practical outcome for both parties involved, given the player’s lack of a clear sporting perspective in Bremen.
Contract Termination at the Weserstadion
Dawid Kownacki originally arrived in Bremen on a free transfer in the summer of 2023 after leaving Fortuna Düsseldorf, where he had enjoyed a prolific spell that once saw his market value estimated at €9 million. However, the right-footed attacker struggled to replicate that form in northern Germany. Over three seasons with Werder Bremen, Kownacki made just 22 competitive appearances across all competitions and registered only three starts, failing to score a single official goal for the club. His market value subsequently dropped by €2 million during his time at the Weserstadion.
“We have spoken with Dawid in recent weeks about his sporting situation and his prospects at Werder,” Fritz stated regarding the decision. “In doing so, we came to the conclusion that terminating the contract is the best solution for both sides. Dawid has always behaved professionally during his time at Werder and put himself at the service of the team. We thank him for his commitment in the Werder jersey and wish him all the best for his future sporting and personal path.”
Loan Spells at Fortuna Düsseldorf and Hertha BSC
The striker’s time in Bremen was repeatedly interrupted by temporary departures in search of regular playing time. During the 2024/25 season, Kownacki returned to Fortuna Düsseldorf on a loan deal. He later secured another temporary move to 2. Bundesliga side Hertha BSC for the subsequent campaign, where he contributed eight goal involvements across 24 appearances in the capital.
Despite those loan stints, a return to Bremen did not revive his prospects under the coaching staff, particularly following the arrivals of other forwards including Niclas Füllkrug and former Düsseldorf striker Cedric Itten. With his opportunities restricted and his departure finalized, Kownacki leaves the club holding seven international caps for the Poland national team.
Kownacki Seeks New Club After Official Release
Following the official announcement of his release, Kownacki has a short time to secure a new employer. Because the transfer windows in virtually all major European leagues are closed, the 29-year-old cannot immediately feature in competitive matches for a new club. Polish media outlets have speculated about a potential second attempt to secure a transfer to his homeland, following a previously unsuccessful move to Pogon Stettin. Any club signing him now can add him to their squad as a free agent, though league registration rules in Poland may restrict him from playing in official fixtures until the winter transfer window opens in January.
While the forward weighs his options for the next chapter of his career, Werder Bremen turns its immediate attention back to its Bundesliga campaign without the financial weight of the long-term contract remaining on its books.
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