Dawid Kownacki Transfer News: Werder Bremen & Hertha Berlin | Potential Return to Poland?
The future of Polish forward Dawid Kownacki remains uncertain as his loan spell with Hertha BSC concludes this summer. Although a permanent move to the German capital was contingent on promotion to the Bundesliga, Hertha’s current position in the 2. Bundesliga standings casts doubt on that outcome, opening the door for a potential return to parent club Werder Bremen – or perhaps another destination altogether.
Kownacki joined Hertha BSC on loan from Werder Bremen ahead of the season, with a pre-agreed purchase clause of €3 million should Hertha achieve promotion. Yet, as of , Hertha finds itself sixth in the 2. Bundesliga table, trailing the promotion playoff spot by seven points and the automatic promotion places by eight. The likelihood of activating that clause is diminishing with each passing match.
Werder Bremen, according to reports, are now prepared to negotiate a transfer fee, potentially lowering their asking price to around €1 million. This willingness to compromise stems from a desire to offload Kownacki’s contract, which is considered substantial. The club appears unlikely to feature him in their plans, regardless of their own league standing.
The Polish international’s season with Hertha has been hampered by setbacks, including a prolonged ankle injury, a bout of the flu, and a recent three-match suspension. Despite these challenges, Kownacki has managed to contribute five goals and one assist in 19 appearances across all competitions. His recent goal in a 1-1 draw against VfL Bochum offered a glimmer of form, but it remains to be seen if that will be enough to sway Hertha’s decision-making process.
Werder Bremen’s Head of Professional Football, Peter Niemeyer, acknowledged Kownacki’s difficult start to the season, noting his delayed integration into the team following a winter illness. Niemeyer highlighted the importance of Kownacki regaining his scoring touch, suggesting the club is monitoring his progress.
Beyond a potential return to Bremen or a permanent stay in Berlin, other clubs have reportedly expressed interest in Kownacki’s services. Polish media outlets have linked him with a move back to his homeland, with Widzew Łódź and Lech Poznań both mentioned as possible destinations. A return to Lech Poznań would be particularly noteworthy, given Kownacki’s previous successful spell with the club earlier in his career.
Kownacki’s career has taken him across several European leagues. He began his professional journey with Lech Poznań, where he quickly established himself as a promising young talent. He then moved to Italy’s Sampdoria in , followed by a loan spell at Fortuna Düsseldorf before a permanent transfer to the same club in . Another loan stint took him back to Lech Poznań in , before joining Werder Bremen in . He is currently on loan at Hertha BSC, with that deal set to expire on .
The 29-year-old has also represented Poland at various youth levels, from under-15s to under-21s, earning seven senior caps and scoring one goal. His international experience adds another layer of appeal for potential suitors.
The coming months will be crucial in determining Kownacki’s next move. Hertha’s performance in the final stretch of the 2. Bundesliga season will be a key factor, as will Werder Bremen’s willingness to negotiate a favorable transfer fee. With interest from clubs in Poland, Kownacki may also consider a return to his roots, adding another layer of complexity to the transfer saga. For now, the Polish forward’s future remains very much up in the air.