Hein spent the 2025/26 season on loan at the Bundesliga club and will now join them on a permanent basis.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has wished his teammate and fellow shot-stopper, Karl Hein, well following the confirmation of his permanent transfer to Werder Bremen.
He sent a heartfelt farewell message to the Estonia international after he shared an emotional post on Instagram.
Hein spent the 2025/26 season on loan at the Bundesliga club and will now join them on a permanent basis.
Bremen, when making the announcement on Saturday, said the former Arsenal goalie will be joining as their new No. 1, with Mio Backhaus, who was ahead of him in the hierarchy last season, set to transfer to Freiburg.
Reacting to the confirmation, Hein—having spent nearly a decade at the Emirates—provided an extensive reflection on his time at the North London club and the significant role it played in his development.
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Captioning the post, he wrote: “Where do I begin… eight beautiful years with this amazing club have come to an end. It was a genuine privilege to be part of a club like @arsenal for such an extended period. It feels surreal to look back and realise that I was afforded the opportunity to transition from the academy to the first team, and I will always be grateful to this remarkable football club.
“This club has facilitated my growth from a 16-year-old boy into a goalkeeper and individual capable of realising his aspirations.”
He added: “Congratulations to everyone associated with this exceptional club for securing the Premier League title this year, and may there be many more to follow! Once a Gooner, always a Gooner.”
Responding to the statement, Raya, with whom he worked closely, said it was a pleasure sharing a dressing room with him at Arsenal.
The Spanish international remarked: “All the best Karlitos, wish you nothing but the best, pleasure to have shared a dressing room with you.”
Also congratulating Hein in an official statement, Arsenal said: “Karl Hein will finalise a permanent move to Bundesliga side Werder Bremen in July 2026.”
The Gunners went on to add: “We express our gratitude to Karl for his contributions to the club throughout his tenure with us and wish him the very best in his future endeavours with Werder Bremen. The agreement is contingent upon the completion of regulatory procedures.”
