Itten Seeks Bundesliga Redemption with Werder Bremen After Düsseldorf Success

Five years after an abrupt departure from Germany's top flight, Swiss international Cedric IttenPlayer·Cedric Itten is set to embark on a highly anticipated second chance in the BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga, joining Werder BremenTeam·Werder Bremen on a free transfer. The 29-year-old striker arrives at the Weserstadion with a renewed sense of purpose, aiming to complete what he describes as "unfinished BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga business."

Itten's previous experience in the BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga was a loan spell with Greuther FürthTeam·Greuther Fürth during the 2021/22 campaign. That brief tenure saw him score two goals in 12 league appearances before RangersTeam·Rangers activated an early recall clause, bringing him back to Glasgow. His time at Fürth, a newly promoted club with one of the league's smallest budgets, was marked by collective struggle. Itten opened his account with a late header against Bayern MunichTeam·Bayern Munich in a 3–1 defeat, with Timothy TillmanPlayer·Timothy Tillman providing the assist. His second goal, a stoppage-time equalizer against Eintracht FrankfurtTeam·Eintracht Frankfurt, was quickly overshadowed as Rafael BorréPlayer·Rafael Borré restored Frankfurt's lead just two minutes later. Opportunities to establish himself were limited, as captain Branimir Hrgota and Jamie LewelingPlayer·Jamie Leweling moved ahead of him in the attacking hierarchy under coach Stefan LeitlCoach·Stefan Leitl.

Since then, Itten has matured significantly, both physically and as a player. His route back to the BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga included spells with RangersTeam·Rangers, Young BoysTeam·Young Boys, and Fortuna DüsseldorfTeam·Fortuna Düsseldorf. It was with Düsseldorf in the 2. BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga that he truly rediscovered his scoring touch, netting 15 league goals during the 2025/26 season. This impressive form earned him a place in SwitzerlandTeam·Switzerland's World CupCompetition·World Cup squad, where the national team made history by reaching the quarterfinals for the first time since 1954.

Despite Fortuna DüsseldorfTeam·Fortuna Düsseldorf's subsequent relegation to the 3. LigaCompetition·3. Liga, Itten's individual success and international experience made him an attractive prospect. "The relegation was hard to accept," Itten stated at a Wednesday press event, "At the same time, a childhood dream came true." He believes his return to the German top flight is under entirely different circumstances compared to his time at Fürth. "The starting position was different because it was essentially clear that we would probably be relegated again immediately," Itten reflected. "I've gained experience since then, become older and matured physically. I've developed in many areas and also really grown as a person."

The move to Werder BremenTeam·Werder Bremen was facilitated by a familiar face: head coach Daniel ThiouneCoach·Daniel Thioune, who previously coached Itten at Fortuna DüsseldorfTeam·Fortuna Düsseldorf. Their established relationship proved decisive. "I know Cedric from our time together in Düsseldorf," Thioune commented. "He is a tall, powerful centre-forward who can hold the ball up and knows where the goal is. His qualities will give us more options in attack." Peter NiemeyerCoach·Peter Niemeyer, Werder BremenTeam·Werder Bremen's head of professional football, echoed this sentiment, noting, "Cedric fits the profile we were looking for perfectly. At 29, he has a wealth of experience from both his club career and international football with SwitzerlandTeam·Switzerland. His qualities will be a real asset to the team."

Itten's arrival is a strategic move for Werder BremenTeam·Werder Bremen, who finished the 2025/26 BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga season in 15th place, struggling with an attack identified as the second weakest in the league. The team recorded 8 wins, 8 draws, and 18 losses, with a goal difference of -23. Tactically, Bremen is projected to employ a high-intensity, direct 2-4-4 formation for the upcoming season. Itten's physical presence and ability to hold up the ball will be crucial in this system, potentially playing alongside Romano SchmidPlayer·Romano Schmid in a central attacking partnership. This setup aims to create numerical superiority in attacking zones and facilitate a high press. Itten has previously demonstrated his ability to work effectively alongside another centre-forward, notably scoring 19 goals for St. Gallen while playing with Ermedin Demirović.

While Itten's established relationship with Thioune provides a strong foundation, he will face immediate competition for a starting spot. Salim MusahPlayer·Salim Musah has impressed during preseason, scoring against Bochum and Energie CottbusTeam·Energie Cottbus while Itten was on extended leave following the World CupCompetition·World Cup. Nevertheless, Itten expressed his excitement for the season ahead. "Every weekend in the BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga is a highlight," he remarked, specifically looking forward to the Nordderby, a fixture he has heard much about from Swiss national team colleague Miro MuheimPlayer·Miro Muheim of HSV. "That's a great game with an incredible atmosphere," Itten added, also anticipating the first home game with Werder BremenTeam·Werder Bremen fans and clashes against traditional powerhouses like Bayern MunichTeam·Bayern Munich and Borussia DortmundTeam·Borussia Dortmund.