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Werder Bremen have finalized attacking prospect Leon Opitz’s developmental loan out. The 20-year-old – who did contribute a fairly decent camp for Horst Steffen’s team – will head to the 2. Bundesliga on loan with Karlsruher SC. Kicker reports that Karlsruhe have secured a purchase option as part of the deal. Opitz scored 16 goals for the Bremen reserves last year.
Opitz’s potential keeps him on the radar of the German FA. The Schleswig-Holstein native has represented Germany extensively at U20 level and below. Lack of playing practice nevertheless meant that Opitz was not among the new arrivals called up by Germany U21 head coach Antonio Di Salvo for the current September international break.
For a time, Opitz was linked with a loan to Holstein Kiel in his native state. The loan out to Baden still appears a solid fit for all parties involved. The KSC administrators went into considerable depth when it came to discussing Opitz’s potential.
“Leon is a player with an exciting profile who can be used in various systems,” KSC sporting director Mario Eggimann noted in a club statement. “He brings speed, creativity, and goal-scoring threat. The loan with an option to buy gives us the opportunity to integrate him into our team in the best possible way and at the same time open up long-term prospects.“
“With Leon Opitz, we are gaining a young German top talent who fits perfectly into our strategy,” KSC managing director Timon Pauls added. “He gives us additional flexibility in the squad, can always f surprise in attack, and has a good finish with both feet. He has already impressed in the Regionalliga with an outstanding goal and assist ratio.“
“I am very grateful for the trust that KSC has placed in me,” Opitz himself said. “After my experiences at Werder, I want to take the next step here, gain playing experience, and contribute to a successful season. I’m really looking forward to the challenge and to the fans at BBBank Wildpark.“
GGFN | Peter Weis
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