The transfer, valued at around 10 million euros plus bonuses, marks a bold statement of intent from the Bundesliga side as they bolster their attacking options for the new season.
The 21-year-old winger, known for his pace and versatility, is set to become Werder's second-most expensive signing ever, surpassed only by Davy Klaassen, who joined from Everton for 13.5 million euros in 2018. Mbangula's arrival signals a shift for Bremen, who have rarely spent big in recent years, with their next highest transfer being Leonardo Bittencourt for 7 million euros in 2020.
Mbangula caught the eye in Italy after moving to Juventus' youth setup from Anderlecht in 2020 for just 300,000 euros. He made the leap to their senior squad last season, scoring three goals and providing four assists in 23 Serie A appearances.
His standout moment came in the Champions League, where he found the net in a knockout tie against PSV. Despite his promise, Mbangula struggled for regular minutes under Juventus' new coach Igor Tudor, prompting his desire for a fresh start.
"Samuel is an exciting talent with huge potential," said Werder's head coach Horst Steffen. "He brings quality and dynamism to our attack, and we're thrilled to have him on board."
Peter Niemeyer, Werder's head of professional football, echoed this sentiment, adding, "He's a player we've tracked closely, and we believe he can make a real impact."
The transfer comes at a crucial time for Bremen, who are grappling with injuries to key attackers like Marvin Ducksch, Jens Stage, and Mitchell Weiser. Weiser's recent cruciate ligament injury has heightened the need for reinforcements, with Mbangula expected to slot into the new 4-2-3-1 system on either flank.
Negotiations with Juventus progressed swiftly after an initial 8 million euro offer was rejected. The clubs have now settled on a 10 million euro base fee, with up to 3 million euros in potential add-ons, according to transfer expert Sacha Tavolieri.
Mbangula has reportedly agreed to a five-year contract and is expected to arrive in Bremen for his medical on Thursday, before joining the squad for their pre-season training camp in Zillertal, Austria.
Mbangula's versatility, he can play on either wing or as a supporting striker, makes him a perfect fit for Steffen's attacking vision. With competition from VfL Wolfsburg, Racing Strasbourg, and Brentford brushed aside, Bremen have landed their man.
The young Belgian now has the chance to shine in the Bundesliga, where more game time awaits. This transfer could be a game-changer for Werder as they aim to climb the table in 2025/26.
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