Arsenal confirm Karl Hein permanent exit as goalkeeper joins Bundesliga side

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Arsenal have confirmed that Karl Hein will join Werder Bremen on a permanent deal this summer, with the goalkeeper set to become the German club’s new number one.

The 24-year-old Estonian international spent the 2025/26 season on loan with Bremen, making two Bundesliga appearances as backup to Mio Backhaus. However, with Backhaus departing for SC Freiburg, Hein is now poised to step into the first-choice role.

Eight-year Arsenal chapter comes to an end

Hein’s departure marks the end of an eight-year association with Arsenal, having joined from Estonian side Nomme United in June 2018. The towering goalkeeper made his senior debut for the Gunners in November 2022 during a Carabao Cup third-round clash against Brighton at Emirates Stadium.

Despite his lengthy time at the club, first-team opportunities remained limited for Hein. He gained valuable experience through loan spells, including a Championship stint with Reading during the 2021/22 season and a productive spell with Real Valladolid, where he made 32 appearances across all competitions last season.

Arsenal’s official statement praised Hein’s contribution, thanking him “for his contribution to the club during his time with us” and wishing him well for his next chapter in Germany.

Ready to seize Bremen opportunity

Hein expressed his delight at securing the permanent move, describing Werder Bremen as “one of the Bundesliga’s biggest clubs with a rich history.” The goalkeeper, who has earned 45 caps for Estonia, revealed he felt at home in Bremen from his first day.

His loan spell was disrupted by a hand injury sustained in training during March, which required surgery and ended his season prematurely. The summer break will provide crucial recovery time before he reports for pre-season duty in July.

Clemens Fritz, Werder Bremen’s sporting director, highlighted Hein’s quality and expressed satisfaction at securing his services permanently. Fritz described the goalkeeper as showing “the highest quality” during his loan spell.

The move represents a significant step in Hein’s career, offering him the chance to establish himself as a regular starter in one of Europe’s major leagues. For Arsenal, it concludes the development journey of a player who progressed through their system but ultimately found his path to regular football elsewhere.

The transfer is subject to the completion of regulatory processes and will be officially completed in July 2026.