Berlin, Jan 26 (IANS): Werder Bremen have signed Bayern Munich youngster Marco Friedl on loan. The 19-year-old Austrian defender will reinforce the German football club Bremen's defence after signing a contract that will expire in June 2019.

"Marco is a young player with qualities as both a center back and left back. At Bayern he made his first steps in professional football. With us he should gain more experience and evolve. We are happy we could sign him," Bremen sporting director Frank Baumann said, reports Xinhua news agency.

The promising Bayern talent made his first team debut in Bayern's 2-1 victory over Anderlecht in the UEFA Champions League in November 2017. Three days later, he debuted in the undesliga when he played against Borussia Monchengladbach.

"Although Bremen is battling for their top-division status, it is a club with a great tradition," Friedl said.

"Especially in Austria, Bremen is known for players like Zlatko Junuzovic, Florian Kainz, Marco Arnautovic or Andreas Herzog. I am looking forward to being part of the team."

Bremen occupy the 16th place on the Bundesliga table, leaving them in danger of relegation. They encounter Hertha Berlin in the 20th round of the Bundesliga on Saturday.