Yukinari Sugawara’s loan spell in Germany with SV Werder Bremen was a massive success, establishing him as a crucial piece of their backline for the 2025–26 season.
Unlike Damion Downs' quieter stint, Sugawara got a tremendous amount of game time and consistency. Here is how his season shook out:
An Undisputed Starter: He was an absolute mainstay at right-back, racking up 31 Bundesliga appearances (starting 29 of them) and playing well over 2,400 minutes.
The Creative Threat: While he didn't manage to get on the scoresheet himself (0 goals), his attacking output from the flank was highly productive. He provided 6 assists over the course of the season, frequently turning into one of Bremen’s best outlets for creating chances.
A Dramatic Finish: The only real blemish on a stellar campaign came right at the very end. In a match against Hoffenheim on May 9, he picked up a straight red card just 4 minutes into the game, which left him suspended for the final match of the season against Borussia Dortmund.
Overall, he was highly rated throughout the year (averaging a solid 6.8 FotMob rating). His loan agreement from Southampton includes an option to buy, and given how vital he was to Bremen's system this season, the German club has a big decision to make before he is technically scheduled to head back to England in July.
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