Ishak Belfodil: I'm happy Werder Bremen didn’t want to sell me

by Graeme Jackson

Monday Mar 12, 2018. 12:30

Algerian forward Ishak Belfodil has admitted that he was the subject of a transfer bid from a Chinese club in January, but says he is happy that Werder Bremen were not keen on selling him.

"Yes, there was indeed an offer from China. My former coach from Abu Dhabi is training a team in China and he told me he was interested in my services,” Belfodil told German site weser-kurier.

“He even called the leaders of Werder. However, the latter responded immediately that they did not want to separate from me because I remain an important part of the team. I was very happy to hear that.”

The Algerian is referring to Spaniard Luis Garcia, who is currently the manager of Chinese Super League side Beijing Renhe and coached Belfodil at UAE club Baniyas in 2015/16.

Belfodil is on loan at Werder from Belgian side Standard Liege. The German club has an option to buy the player outright at the end of the current season.

"Stay at Werder, yes, it's a possibility. I feel good in this club and things are improving day by day,” he said.

“After, I do not know the agreement that was signed between the two clubs. I know I'm on loan and there is an option to buy.

“Now it's up to both clubs to decide. But, what is certain is that at this moment, I do not know yet where I will play next season.”

Belfodil has made 20 appearances and scored one goal for Werder in the 2017/18 Bundesliga.