Portuguese striker Hugo Almeida will be leaving Werder Bremen during the winter break to transfer to Besiktas Istanbul as both clubs agreed to the move. Almeida's contract, which was to expire at season's end, was voided with immediate effect. "A contract extension with Hugo Almeida was not possible. Getting a transfer fee for his transfer was the best option for Werder Bremen. We wish him all the best for his future," said Werder's board chairman Klaus Allofs.
Almeida arrived in Bremen in summer 2006 after moving from top Portuguese club FC Porto. The striker played 117 Bundesliga matches and scored 41 Bundesliga goals during his four and a half years with SV Werder. He also scored six goals in 18 matches in the Champions League for Bremen. In the summer 2010, Almeida played for Portugal at the World Cup in South Africa. He has scored 11 goals in 30 caps for the Iberians.