Werder Bremen sign Austrian winger Marco Grull from Rapid Vienna

This, despite Rapid Wien manager Markus Katzer asserting just over a week ago that Grull would not be allowed to leave. "Grüll will not be sold. Period," Katzer told Austrian daily "Kurier".

"That's what we discussed with Marco. Sporting success comes before financial success. We need him and know that he will perform as a professional until the end of his contract."

However, with his contract expiring, the club have failed to tie him down to a new one and Bremen have moved quickly to get their man with 

"We have been following Marco's progress for quite some time," Werder director of football Clemens Fritz noted in a club statement.

"He has developed very well over the past few years and has aroused interest on the transfer market - not least during the last transfer phase. We are therefore delighted that we were able to convince Marco of our sporting concept and his prospects with us and that he will strengthen our team.

Manager Ole Werner said: "Marco is an active and straightforward attacking player who has proven his ability to score goals in recent years and is also a good assist provider. I am convinced that he will integrate very well into our team and can continue his positive development with us."

"It's a great honor for me to be able to wear the SV Werder Bremen jersey from the summer and to be part of this team," Grüll himself said, "I'm ready to give my best and continue my positive development to help the team achieve its objectives."

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