Goalkeeper Backhaus joins Freiburg from Bremen

Goalkeeper Mio Backhaus is joining Freiburg from Bundesliga rivals Werder Bremen, both clubs said on Saturday.

Freiburg gave no contractual details while news reports said that Germany's under-21 national team keeper Backhaus signed until 2031 and costs the Europa League finalists €15 million ($17.4 million).

"Mio has impressively demonstrated the high standard at which he can play In his first Bundesliga season. His calm and focused demeanour is infectious,’ Freiburg board member for sport Jochen Saier said.

"He excels in every aspect of goalkeeping, has great potential for development, and will also fit in very well with our team on a personal level."

Backhaus' arrival in Freiburg means that their current first choice keeper Noah Atubolu may leave the club. Atubolu is said to be seeking a new challenge elsewhere.

Bremen managing director Clemens Fritz spoke of "a very lucrative offer" from Freiburg which prompted them to sell Backhaus who had 32 top flght matches for them.

Bremen also said they have triggered the purchase option for Estonian Karl Hein who will be their new number one between the posts after an initial loan spell from new English champions Arsenal.