• Bundesliga

Real Madrid win race to sign Ozil from Werder

ESPNsoccernet staff
August 17, 2010
Mesut Ozil starred for Germany at the 2010 World Cup © Getty Images
Enlarge

Real Madrid have signed German World Cup star Mesut Ozil from Bundesliga side Werder Bremen for an undisclosed fee, reported to be around €15 million.

Werder turned down an offer described as "risible" by general manager Klaus Allofs on Friday but have now reached an agreement for Ozil, who would have been available on a free transfer when his contract expired in 12 months.

The playmaker, who had been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United, will undergo a medical in Madrid on Wednesday.

Earlier on Tuesday, Werder claimed they would play Ozil in the Champions League on Wednesday, leaving him cup-tied, unless a deal was agreed in the next 24 hours.

"If a club is looking to sign Mesut to play Champions League, then that club needs to make a decision before Wednesday," Allofs said. "If Mesut Ozil is a player of Werder Bremen on Wednesday, we are going to play him against Sampdoria."

However, the 21-year-old did not take part in the club's final training session ahead of the clash as Real moved quickly to complete the deal.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close