Premier League champions Arsenal have officially confirmed that goalkeeper Karl Hein will leave the club permanently to join Bundesliga side Werder Bremen this summer.
The announcement was made on Saturday ahead of Arsenal’s final Premier League fixture of the season against Crystal Palace, bringing an end to the Estonian goalkeeper’s long association with the North London club.
Hein initially arrived at Arsenal in June 2018 after joining from Estonian outfit Nõmme United as one of Europe’s highly-rated young goalkeepers. The shot-stopper quickly progressed through the club’s academy ranks and earned his first professional contract with the Gunners the following year.
Despite being regarded as a promising talent during his development, Hein found first-team opportunities limited at the Emirates due to intense competition in Arsenal’s goalkeeping department.
The 24-year-old spent the 2025/26 season on loan at Werder Bremen, where he continued his development in Germany. Although he made only two Bundesliga appearances during the campaign, the German side were reportedly impressed by his professionalism, attitude and potential, leading to the decision to secure his services permanently.
Arsenal released an official statement confirming the transfer and thanking the goalkeeper for his years of service to the club.
“We thank Karl for his contribution to the club during his time with us and wish him all the best for his next chapter with Werder Bremen,” the statement read.
Hein departs Arsenal after spending eight years with the club, having developed from an academy prospect into a senior international player with Estonia. While he struggled to establish himself as Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper, he remained highly respected within the squad for his dedication and commitment.
The move to Werder Bremen could now provide Hein with the opportunity for more regular first-team football and a fresh start in the Bundesliga. At 24, the goalkeeper still has significant years ahead of him and will hope the permanent switch helps him continue his growth at club and international level.
For Arsenal, the transfer represents another squad adjustment following their successful title-winning campaign, as manager Mikel Arteta continues reshaping the team ahead of next season’s domestic and European challenges.
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