York United FC announced on Tuesday that Ronan Kratt has completed a permanent move to German giants SV Werder Bremen.

The 19-year-old attacker had been on a six-month loan with the club since the start of the year.

Signing for the Nine Stripes in mid-June 2022, the teenager went on to make 14 appearances, scored twice and added a further assist as he racked up 857 minutes of Canadian Premier League action. From those 14 games, York United won seven and drew two as they put up a spirited performance in the second half of the campaign.

A key part of Werder’s second team since arriving in Bremen, Kratt featured 11 times for the side in the Regionalliga Nord and registered one assist.

“I’d like to thank everyone at Werder Bremen for their collaboration on what is a fantastic move for Ronan, York United and the CPL,” said Angus McNab, President/CEO & GM of York United FC.

“Ronan came to us last season and took advantage of the platform the club and league was able to provide. He’s a very mature and determined young man and we are very happy to have played a part in his journey so far. We’ll now watch from afar as Ronan continues his career and development in Germany. We wish him every success and I hope he knows that he’s always welcome at the club.”

Kratt — a native of Ottawa — has played in Germany before. Prior to signing with York United, he was with SSV Ulm 1846 and made 19 appearances in all competitions for the Under-19 side, scoring four times in the Bundesliga South/Southwest. The calibre of his performances ensured he was included in the Canada Under-20 setup and he was named in the provisional squad for the 2022 Concacaf U-20 Championship. Kratt also spent two seasons at the Barca Residency Academy in Arizona, while both the Carleton Ravens and Ottawa South United were also instrumental in his development.

His stint with York United was memorable, and it didn’t take Kratt long to show his ability. In just his second appearance — a home clash with Pacific FC at York Lions Stadium — he found the back of the net inside the opening minute.

Later in the season there was another early goal — and once again on home soil — as he opened the scoring after 10 minutes in what proved a hugely entertaining 3-2 win over FC Edmonton.

“Ronan is a great guy and I’m very happy he’s got this opportunity,” said York United head coach Martin Nash.

“He worked really hard when he came in last year, made an impact and had some big moments for the club. He’s dropped in and seen us on trips back from Germany, and he was there last Friday night too for our win over Atlético Ottawa. It’s great he still feels connected to the club and the playing group. We wish him the best and will be keeping an eye out on his progress.”

Meanwhile, Werder are happy to have landed Kratt permanently given his contributions to the club so far.

“He came to us from Canada in the winter and needed some time to settle in,” said Björn Schierenbeck, head of the Werder academy.

“Nevertheless, he has already shown that he has qualities that will help us in the new season. We are pleased that we now have him permanently with us.”