German Bundesliga side Werder Bremen have expanded their options in defence with the signing of 17 year old Nigerian defender Daniel Ihendu from fellow Bundesliga side RB Leipzig, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
His signing was made known by the club with a statement on their website, where it was also stated that he will start from the U23s, but his progress will be monitored for a possible promotion to the main team during the course of next season.
“We’re pleased to have signed a talented young centre-back in Daniel. He’s got a really good physique, is strong in the air and gets stuck in too. We’re confident that he will take the next steps in his career here with us,” explained Clemens Fritz, the club’s head of professional football.
Speaking on his decision to leave RB Leipzig for Werder Bremen, Ihendu who was born in Germany to a father of Nigerian descent said he believes the move is the best for his career, with the promise of a chance with the first team part of why he decided to join the team.
“I’m looking forward to my time in Bremen and I’m certain that this is the right step for my development,” said Ihendu who will begin training with the U23s on the 5th of July when his deal will officially expire with RB Leipzig, where he played for the U17s and U19s.
Eligible for Nigeria and Germany, he is yet to be capped at any level by both countries but sometimes around this year, he showed he is proud of his Nigerian roots by posing in a jersey of the national team of Nigeria during an Instagram live interview.
Daniel Martins