USYNT defender Ramiz Hamouda joins Bundesliga club SV Werder Bremen via USL

BIRMINGHAM, AL – Birmingham Legion FC has agreed terms for the transfer of defender Ramiz Hamouda to German Bundesliga club SV Werder Bremen.

After turning 18 at the end of May, Hamouda will make the move to Germany this summer, where he will begin his next chapter with Werder’s U23 program ahead of the club’s new Bundesliga season.

The transaction will be completed following the opening of the FIFA international transfer window on July 1, 2026.

“We had already announced at the beginning of the year that we wanted to sign Ramiz in the summer,” said Managing Director of Football at SV Werder Bremen Clemens Fritz. “It’s all the more wonderful that all the contracts are now officially signed. He’ll first settle in Bremen and at Werder at the start of the season and will begin with our U23 team.”

Hamouda’s move marks a significant milestone for both the player and Legion, highlighting the club’s continued commitment to identifying, developing, and creating pathways for young talent that previously saw the success of Matthew Corcoran for the club prior to his transfer to Nashville SC of Major League Soccer.

“Ramiz has earned this opportunity through his work ethic, maturity, and commitment to getting better every single day,” said Legion Head Coach and CEO Jay Heaps. “From the moment he came into our environment, he showed that he was willing to learn, compete, and carry himself like a professional.

“We are incredibly proud of him and excited to see him take this next step with Werder Bremen. This is a special moment for Ramiz, his family, and our club.”

Hamouda joined Birmingham Legion FC in 2024 from the Sporting Kansas City Academy and quickly established himself as one of the brightest young defenders in the USL Championship. He made his Legion FC debut at just 15 years old, becoming the youngest player to appear in a league match in club history.

Since then, Hamouda has made 36 USL Championship appearances for Birmingham, gaining valuable professional experience while continuing to develop as a center back. Earlier on Thursday, he earned his first call-up to the United States U-19 Men’s National Team, having represented the country and Legion at the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup late last year.

Werder Bremen had previously identified Hamouda as a player of interest and welcomed him to the club’s performance center in November, where he spent time training in their professional environment. Following continued discussions between both clubs, the transfer has now been finalized.

“We always talk about building an environment where players can grow, be challenged, and move forward in their careers,” said Heaps. “Ramiz is a great example of what that pathway can look like. He represented Birmingham Legion FC with pride, and we’ll be cheering him on as he begins this next chapter in Germany.”

Birmingham Legion FC will recognize Hamouda’s achievement during the club’s pre-game Recruiting Room event on June 3.