Sugawara is the only confirmed new signing so far, with more transfers expected later.

Past high-profile signings like Naby Keita and Victor Boniface have not delivered the hoped-for on-field impact.

Manchester City’s spending comes under scrutiny as Pep Guardiola defends the club’s record high net expenditures since 2021.

Werder Bremen appoints Daniel Thioune as head coach, replacing Horst Steffen after a 10-game winless run in the Bundesliga, as the club seeks a fresh impulse.

Dialogue around Thioune's appointment emphasizes his ambition to lead the team toward the club’s goals through collaborative work with the squad.

Dissatisfaction within the club grows, including an online petition and an extraordinary general meeting to evaluate Fritz’s performance, signaling internal blame directed at leadership.

The club stresses that Steffen was not personally at fault, but questions the overall squad and transfer strategy since 2024.

Injury problems and weak squad planning have worsened the situation, with many recent arrivals being loans and lacking added value, while a long-term plan for a suitable midfielder was absent.

Schalke 04 criticizes New York City FC over a failed Moussa Sylla transfer, confirming the deal was signed but later renegotiated, and will review the process.

The move is seen as an attempt to inject urgently needed momentum in the relegation battle.

The article closes with hope that Werder finds new energy and a clear playing philosophy to avoid relegation, while internal discussions continue.

Sourcing notes point to Bild and Deichstube, with dpa as the reference for the reports.