Werder Bremen To Sign Brazilian Defender Samuel Firmino De Jesus

Brazilian centre-half Samuel is expected to sign for Werder Bremen by day's end.
Werder Bremen are expected to sign Brazilian centre-half Samuel Firmino de Jesus on a free transfer before the day's end. The Hanseaten have struggled in defence this year, and with Naldo's return date still unknown, Samuel is seen as an aid to what has proven to be a rather leaky defence.

According to Weser-Kurier, the 24-year-old free agent, who was most recently under contract at Sao Paulo, will receive a six-month contract. Because there is no fee involved, the move is, according to Bremen sporting director Klaus Allofs: "A transfer without risk."

In addition to central defence, Samuel is a possible candidate for the position of left back, which has also been a problem spot for Bremen.

In the absence of Naldo, who has missed the majority of the season with a knee injury, Bremen have conceded 42 goals in 20 matches, and sunk to 15th place in the Bundesliga standings.