AMSTERDAM – According to his agent, Aron Johannsson is on the verge of sealing a move from AZ Alkmaar to Werder Bremen.
The clubs reached a transfer fee agreement Tuesday, freeing the 24-year-old US forward to discuss personal terms with the four-time Bundesliga champions. Johannsson's rep, Magnus Agnar Magnusson, confirmed that the sides are hard at work on a four-year contract. The American has been held back from AZ's preseason trip to Turkey and his agent says the deal is close to completion.
"I don't think it will be a problem," Magnusson told MLSsoccer.com.
Bremen, who are aiming to replace departed top scorer Franco Di Santo, came back with an improved offer after having their first one rejected by AZ technical director Earnie Stewart. As reported by ESPNFC, the Weserstadion club consulted with former midfield star Andreas Herzog, now Johannsson's US national team assistant coach.
Should Johannsson seal the transfer, he will become the second American to suit up for the Green-Whites. Former FC Dallas defensive handyman Chad Deering played 42 contests for Bremen, including 15 in Bundesliga play.
Hoping to improve on last season's 10th-place finish, Werder Bremen will follow up Saturday's DfB-Pokal second-round tilt at Wurzburger Kickers with their Bundesliga opener against visiting Schalke on Aug. 15.
