Chelsea confirm signing of Werder Bremen playmaker Marin

Chelsea sign Werder Bremen playmaker Marin

Apr 28, 2012 1:50:00 PM

Blues wrap up deal to bring the 23-year-old German international to Stamford Bridge next season in a deal reported to be worth up to £6.5 million

Chelsea have confirmed the the signing of Marko Marin from Werder Bremen for a fee reported to be between £5.5 million (€7m) and £6.5m (€8m).

The 23-year-old has agreed personal terms with the club and will join the Blues in the summer on a five-year-contract.

A statement on the club's website read: "Chelsea Football Club have today [Saturday] agreed to sign Marko Marin from Werder Bremen.

MARKO MARIN IN FOCUS

Goal.com International's German Editor, Clark Whitney: "Marin is a gifted winger, who in his earlier years was dubbed as the "German Messi." That comparison was proven premature, but the 23-year-old's strengths and weaknesses more resemble those of Angel Di Maria. Marin is a very talented dribbler, but stagnated after joining Bremen in 2009. He has primarily been used out of position as a central playmaker, where his dribbling qualities are less noticeable and his underwhelming playmaking vision is evident. He needs a fresh start, and perhaps he will flourish when used once more on the wing. It is, however, a great gamble for the player, who could find himself on the bench for five years. For Chelsea, €7-8 million is worth the risk.

"Both clubs have agreed a fee and the 23-year-old midfielder has agreed personal terms.

"Marin, a German international, will join Chelsea in the summer."

Werder Bremen's general manager Klaus Allofs also confirmed the winger would be leaving the Germany to join the Champions League finalists.

He told Sky: "I can confirm that [he signed a five-year-contract]. The last formalities were sorted out today and I can confirm that he will be a Chelsea player next year."

Reports in Germany suggested that Chelsea's Belgian forward, Romelu Lukaku, would be joining the Bundesliga outfit as part of the deal, but Allofs moved to deny the rumours.

"Romelu Lukaku is definitely a player that interests us, but he will not leave England," he said.

Marin joined Werder Bremen from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2009, making 83 appearances for the club and scoring eight goals.

The attacking midfielder, who has also been linked with Liverpool in the past, has represented the German national team 16 times, scoring one goal.

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