Sebastian Prödl will move to Werder Bremen from Austrian side SK Puntigamer Sturm Graz as of the 2008/2009 season. On Wednesday afternoon, the Austrian international signed a four and a half year contract with the Green-Whites which will begin on 01.07.2008. The 1,93m tall central defender is very much looking forward to the challenge ahead: “I made the decision early on to join Werder Bremen because I got a good feeling from the surroundings here straight away”, explained the 20 year old after he’d signed his contract.
Werder coach Thomas Schaaf was very happy about the deal with Prödl being sealed: “We’ve had an eye on him for some time now. He was very impressive in the U20 World Championships. We are convinced he will make his way here in Bremen”, said Schaaf. General manager Klaus Allofs was equally positive about the new signing: “Sebastian is one of the most talented players in Austria. It’s great that we have been able to convince him to take on the challenge here in Bremen.”
Sebastian Prödl made his international debut for Austria as a 19 year old and has since then made seven appearances for his country. The defender clawed his way through all of Austria’s national youth selections and was captain of the side which sensationally reached the semi-finals of the 2007 World Championships in Canada. A year before, with the U19 side, Prödl was part of the Austrian team which came third in the U19 European Championships.#
Prödl has played for SK Puntigamer Sturm Graz since he was 15. During this season, the Austrian has made 17 league appearances and scored two goals for his club, who are currently top of the Austrian ‘Bundesliga’.