At a glance
- Newcastle and Brighton are tracking Werder Bremen goalkeeper Mio Backhaus
- AC Milan, Inter Milan and Bayer Leverkusen have also joined the race
- Bremen value the Bundesliga prospect at around £17.4 million (€20 million)
Werder Bremen goalkeeper Mio Backhaus has emerged as one of the most closely watched young talents in European football with Newcastle United and Brighton both stepping up their interest ahead of the summer transfer window.
The 21-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough Bundesliga campaign during the 2025/26 season and his performances have quickly attracted attention from clubs across England, Germany and Italy.
Backhaus has established himself as Werder Bremen’s first-choice goalkeeper and continues to impress with his composure on the ball, sharp reflexes and confident distribution from the back.
Newcastle and Brighton Intensify Goalkeeper Search
Brighton have followed Backhaus closely for several months as the club continue to target emerging young talent from across Europe.
Newcastle have also entered the race with sources indicating the club are considering the German youth international as part of a wider reshaping of their goalkeeping department at St James’ Park.
Werder Bremen remain in a strong position due to Backhaus’ contract running until 2028. However, sources indicate the Bundesliga side would consider a significant offer for one of their most valuable young players.
Read More: Is Malick Yalcouye The Next Brighton Midfielder On The Conveyor Belt?
European Giants Join Battle for Mio Backhaus
Interest in Backhaus stretches well beyond the Premier League.
Bayer Leverkusen have now joined the pursuit while SC Freiburg have previously explored a potential move for the goalkeeper within Germany.
In Italy both AC Milan and Inter Milan have made enquiries as the race for the highly rated stopper gathers momentum across Europe.
Several clubs reportedly view Backhaus as a long-term investment capable of developing into a first-choice goalkeeper at elite level.
Werder Bremen Set Price for Bundesliga Prospect
Sources place Backhaus’ valuation at around €20 million (£17.4 million / $23.5 million) although growing interest from multiple clubs could force that figure even higher during the summer window.
Werder Bremen are expected to demand a premium fee for the academy product who accelerated his development during a successful loan spell at FC Volendam last season.
The goalkeeper’s rise has become one of the standout stories of the Bundesliga campaign and clubs across Europe are now positioning themselves for a potential move.
Also Read: Brighton Face Fresh Jan Paul van Hecke Transfer Question
Mio Backhaus Speaks About Werder Bremen Future
Despite the growing transfer interest Backhaus recently made clear how much Werder Bremen means to him during an interview discussing his future.
“I’ve been here [Werder Bremen] for eight years, this is my city, my club,”
The quote reflects the strong bond the goalkeeper still feels with the club that helped shape his career.
Even so sources close to the situation have told TEAMtalk that the prospect of a move to the Premier League strongly appeals to Backhaus which could hand both Newcastle and Brighton encouragement in the battle for his signature.
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