Switzerland international Francois Affolter has joined Werder Bremen on loan from Young Boys for the remainder of the year, the Bundesliga club have announced

The 20-year-old defender underwent a medical and has penned a contract with the German outfit until December 31, 2012, after which Werder have the option to sign him permanently.

Werder coach Thomas Schaaf said of Affolter, who has won four caps since making his Switzerland debut in August 2010: "He is technically well trained, is very quick with good vision and has a certain composure on the ball. He's a young player with a lot of potential."

Affolter added on www.werder.de: "It was always my dream to play for a strong European club. Werder is a huge opportunity for me. I want to help lead the team back into European competition."

Werder are currently fifth in the Bundesliga, six points behind fourth-placed Borussia Monchengladbach.