Bayern Munich’s Marco Friedl loaned to Werder Bremen

As announced on its website, Bayern Munich prospect Marco Friedl, an Austrian Under-21 international, has been loaned to Werder Bremen until June 30, 2019. The loan should give Freidl an opportunity to further develop with Werder Bremen’s first-team rather than being buried behind David Alaba, Juan Bernat, Joshua Kimmich, and Rafinha on the fullback depth chart for Bayern Munich.

Bayern’s sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic said the following about the loan:

Marco has developed wonderfully with us in recent months. We hope he can take the next step with Werder Bremen and establish himself as a regular starter.

Friedl began his youth career at hometown club SV Kirchbichl, before moving to fellow Austrian club FC Kufstein in 2007. In 2008, at the age of 10, Friedl entered the Bayern Munich youth academy and ultimately signed his first professional contract with Bayern in 2017.

Photo by TF-Images/TF-Images via Getty Images

Friedl, who made his debut in the Champions League vs. Anderlecht on November 22, 2017, also made his Bundelisga debut three days later on November 25, 2017 against Borussia Mönchengladbach. Here’s what the youngster had to say about his loan:

I had a great ten years with Bayern, for which I’m very thankful. Now I’m looking forward to a new challenge in Bremen. Werder is famous, especially in Austria, because of players like Zlatko Junuzovic, Florian Kainz, Marco Arnautovic and Andreas Herzog.

As for where Friedl fits with Werder Bremen, Sporting Director Frank Baumann told the club website that he envisions the young Austrian contributing at both outside back and center back. For both sides, the move appears to be beneficial. For Friedl, the move presents an opportunity for growth that would not have been available at Bayern; while for Werder Bremen, the club gets a talent who can hopefully assist the team in avoiding relegation:

Marco is a young player who excels both as a center back and full back. He took his first steps in his professional soccer career with Bayern; he’ll gain new experience and develop further with us. We’re happy that we could get him.

Friedl’s contract with Bayern Munich ultimately expires on June 30, 2021.