Aron Johannsson completes transfer to Werder Bremen

Aron Johannsson is officially a Werder Bremen player. The United States striker completed his transfer from AZ Alkmaar to the Bundesliga club, wrapping up a whirlwind few days that saw Bremen's interest come seemingly out of nowhere to wrapping up the deal at warp speed.

Werder Bremen were desperate for a striker after Franco Di Santo's surprise move to Schalke two weeks ago. They had no No. 1 option up front and no depth, which is what led them to Johannsson. Now he jumps in and has a chance to become first choice for a good, mid-table Bundealiga side.

Bremen sporting director Rouven Schroder told the official side that Johannsson is "a very mobile striker who scored goals at an excellent rate for Alkmaar.

"He's also got a lot of potential to improve further and to continue his positive career trajectory with us here at Werder."

Johannsson scored 29 goals in 58 Eredivisie matches for Alkmaar. He joined AZ from AGF Aarhus in January of 2013 and replaced Jozy Altidore as the team's first choice striker the following summer. He quickly went about punishing the Dutch league, bagging 17 goals in his first season as the starter and adding a further seven last year, despite battling injuries for much of the campaign.

The Bundesliga is a major step up for Johannsson and there are questions about whether he is good enough for the level. He's only really proven himself in the weak Denmark league, as well as the goal friendly Eredivisie. Even internationally, his play for the U.S. has been a bit underwhelming. But Bremen obviously liked what they saw and it wouldn't be a surprise if Jurgen Klinsmann used his German connections to put a good word in on his behalf. The flashes of potential have tantalized everyone, but now he has to make good on it.

Werder Bremen bet on him and are handing him a big opportunity to become the starting striker at a solid Bundealiga club. Now its up to him to take it.