Bundesliga soccer: 16-year-old goalkeeper in the game: Werder starts training camp

Werder Bremen has begun its pre-season training camp in Zell am Ziller, Austria, with a squad of 30 players including a 16-year-old goalkeeper. The Bundesliga club started their preparations on July 20, 2026, with young talent Calvin Seidler, who plays for the German U17 national team, joining the group. The inclusion of Seidler marks a notable step in the club’s strategy to integrate promising youth players into the senior squad. The training camp includes several new signings, among them Spanish forward Chuki, French defender Kenny Quetant, and Polish duo Oskar Wojcik and Dariusz Stalmach. These additions bring international experience and fresh energy to the team. Meanwhile, the club's existing players, many of whom have participated in the FIFA World Cup, are also part of the squad. Notably, goalkeeper Alexander Schlager, who was recently signed, will remain in Austria after representing the Austrian national team at the World Cup. Similarly, defenders Marco Friedl and Romano Schmid, both from Austria, and midfielder Cedric Itten, from Switzerland, are taking time off following their World Cup campaigns. Thioune, the head coach, has given additional opportunities to younger players from the club’s U23 team. Players such as Darwin Soylu, Luca Höcker, Mats Heitmann, Stefan Smarkalev, Paul Erevbenagie, and Ramiz Hamouda are participating in the training sessions. This approach reflects the club’s commitment to developing homegrown talent alongside integrating new faces. The training schedule includes two matches against foreign opponents. On Wednesday, July 22, the team will face Fagiano Okayama, a Japanese club, at 5:30 p.m. local time. The following Saturday, they will take on VfL Bochum, a second-division side, starting at 1:00 p.m. These games provide valuable competitive experience ahead of the Bundesliga season. A large number of fans have traveled to Zell am Ziller to support the team during the training camp. Their presence underscores the strong fan base and the enthusiasm surrounding the club’s pre-season activities. The location in the Tyrolean Alps offers a scenic backdrop for the intense training sessions, which are designed to build fitness, teamwork, and match readiness. As the training camp progresses, Thioune will assess how the young players perform under pressure and whether they can contribute meaningfully to the team’s success. The inclusion of Seidler and other emerging talents signals a long-term vision for the club, blending youth development with immediate competition. With the upcoming fixtures, the focus will shift towards refining strategies and ensuring the squad is fully prepared for the challenges of the new Bundesliga season.