SV Werder Bremen have announced the signing of Chuki, who joins the team for free from Spanish second league side Real Valladolid. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder brings with him good experience in higher leagues, which promises to bring more dynamics to the Bremen team's midfield.
The contract had already been agreed a few weeks ago, after Werder guaranteed maintenance in the Bundesliga, thus allowing the signing of Ivan San José Cantalejo, known as Chuki, to be advanced. The officialization of the deal was delayed until Valladolid ended its season, with the last game taking place only on May 31st.
"Chuki is a very interesting player, who already has solid experience in the first and second leagues in Spain. He is an attacking midfielder who has a lot of potential. We want to help him exploit this potential to the fullest at Werder", said Peter Niemeyer, director of the club's professional football area.
The player, who excelled at Valladolid, has made 55 professional appearances in the last two years, contributing seven goals and eight assists in 34 appearances in the Spanish second league. Chuki is described as a technically skilled player who excels between the lines and has a strong shot with his left foot.
Werder Bremen's new signing expressed his happiness at the transfer, stating: "I'm happy and convinced that Werder is the ideal club for me and the right step for my career. I'm grateful for the trust they have in me and I hope I can help the club evolve. Making the decision to leave Real Valladolid, the club of my life, was difficult, as I grew up there and I will be forever grateful to them."
Coach Daniel Thioune was pleased with the acquisition, highlighting that Chuki can play both in the center and on the wings in attack. His performance last season in La Liga 2, where he obtained 15 points in 34 games, was considered a good demonstration of his abilities. With this signing, Werder Bremen hopes not only to improve its attack, which ended the season with the second worst goal production in the Bundesliga, but also to prepare for possible changes in the squad, given the interest of other clubs in its players.