BERLIN - German Bundesliga side Bremen and Belgian club Bruges agreed on transfer of Nigerian striker Joseph Akpala on a four-year deal, both sides said on Thursday.

Eight days before the closure of the transfer window Bremen reinforced their squad with the signing of the Nigerian international.

"We are glad that we were able to convince Joseph Akpala to join us. He will increase the attacking power of the squad. Of course we hope for many goals," Bremen manager Klaus Allofs said.

"It is a big step in my career. It is a great privilege to play for Werder Bremen. This club is one of the big clubs in Germany," Akpala said.

The 25-year-old striker played four years for Bruges and scored 38 goals in 102 matches. Overall he scored 63 goals in 166 matches at Belgians first division soccer league.

"Joseph has shown in many games that he is a powerful striker who benefits from his speed and his scoring prowess," Bremen coach Thomas Schaaf said.