BERLIN, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Werder Bremen has signed Spanish attacking midfielder Ivan San Jose Cantalejo, known as Chuki, from Real Valladolid on a free transfer as the club shapes its squad for the 2026-27 season, it announced on Tuesday.

The 22-year-old moves to the Weser after coming through Valladolid's youth ranks and making 55 senior appearances for the club, scoring nine goals.

Werder had been working on the deal since securing Bundesliga survival three weeks earlier, with the player's contract running until 2030 after an agreement was signed following the 33rd Bundesliga matchday.

The announcement was delayed until after Valladolid completed their final match of the season on May 31, as earlier confirmation was not considered to be in the player's interests.

Chuki arrives as the latest free-transfer addition after Kenny Quetant, whose contract at Le Havre also expired this year.

"Chuki is a very exciting player who, at his young age, already has first and second division experience in Spain," said Werder head of professional football Peter Niemeyer. "He is an attacking midfielder with a lot of potential. We want to support him so that he can fully fulfil that potential at Werder."

A former Spain youth international, Chuki played two Under-18 matches in 2021. After featuring in La Liga, he became a regular in Spain's second tier following Valladolid's relegation.

Used mainly as a number 10, he produced seven goals and eight assists in 34 appearances this season, a return that Werder coach Daniel Thioune said reflected his qualities.

"We are very happy that we were able to bring Chuki to Werder," Thioune said. "He is a really good footballer who has mainly played centrally in midfield in attack but can also appear in wide positions. I am sure he will help us with his qualities."

Chuki said leaving his hometown had been difficult but called Werder "the best possible club" and "the right step" for his career.

His arrival is aimed at adding creativity in attacking midfield for a Werder side that finished 15th last season, narrowly above the relegation places, after scoring just 37 goals, the second-lowest tally in the Bundesliga, ahead only of St. Pauli. ■