Werder Bremen have closed the deal on a professional contract with young talent Jerome Polenz, keeping him tied to the club until 30.06.2009. The 19 year old who made his Bundesliga debut on Saturday when he was introduced as a substitute in the 85th minute against Mainz, used the first half of the season to play his way into the first team. "He has been continually improving and it's clear to see that he knows where he's going. We want to support him in that", said coach Thomas Schaaf.

Jerome Polenz will continue to gather experience in the reserve team. The all-rounder, who has appeared in the Under 23 side as a right winger as well as a striker, is Bremens top scorer in the Regionalliga North. He has scored seven times in twenty games this season. Polenz arrived at the Weser Stadium in 2002 from Tennis Borussia Berlin.