Overview

• Sporting director Peter Niemeyer confirmed the one-year move from Southampton includes a purchase option exercisable next summer.
• Long-term injuries to Maximilian Wöber, Olivier Deman and Mitchell Weiser left Felix Agu as the only fully fit wide defender, with Julián Malatini now a doubt after an ankle ligament issue.
• Head coach Horst Steffen praised Sugawara’s pace, dueling strength and versatility and said the club expects him to help immediately.
• The Japan international played nearly 200 matches for AZ Alkmaar and made 30 Premier League appearances with Southampton after a 2024 transfer.
• Sugawara is Werder’s fourth new signing and their third loan with a buy option this season, with the club still seeking another outside defender and a striker before the window closes.