Pasanen joins Bremen challenge
Tuesday, July 20, 2004
Article summary
SV Werder Bremen have signed Finland defender Petri Pasanen, while allowing Manuel Friedrich to leave.
Article body
Versatile defender
The centre-back, who spent last season on loan at Portsmouth FC in the English Premiership, has signed a contract until 2008 after agreeing a €1m move. The 23-year-old is a versatile player and can also operate at right-back. Capped 20 times by his country, Pasanen will help Bremen fill the gap left by Turkish international Ümit Davala, who has a long-term injury.
Friedrich heads back
With Pasanen arriving, Bremen have allowed defender Manuel Friedrich to join newly promoted 1. FSV Mainz 05. The 24-year-old had arrived at the Weserstadion in 2002 but never managed to establish himself in the first team after two serious knee injuries. Mainz, where Friedrich spent last season on loan, are to pay €1m with the player putting pen to paper on a four-year-contract. Bremen manager Klaus Allofs described it as "a good deal" for the club.
Jensen capture
It has been a busy week for Bremen with Danish international Daniel Jensen also completing a move to the club this week. The 25-year-old midfield player has signed a four-year contract. The club will enter the 2004/05 UEFA Champions League at the group stage.