Backhaus made 32 league appearances for Werder Bremen this season, keeping five clean sheets for a side that finished 14th and narrowly avoided relegation. His performances attracted consistent praise despite the difficult context, with scouts from Newcastle United, Inter Milan, Freiburg and Brighton all making multiple visits to the Weserstadion across the campaign.
Werder are under significant financial pressure and need to generate transfer income before June 30 to improve their annual accounts. Managing director Clemens Fritz made the club's position clear.
"Mio Backhaus has had an outstanding season, which no one could have predicted. We are dependent on transfer revenue. We have to see what happens in the next few weeks."
Head coach Daniel Thioune would prefer to keep him but acknowledged the reality.
"It would be desirable to have Mio Backhaus in the team. He was one of the few bright spots and winners this season. If Backhaus decides to leave, I will accept it."
Backhaus appeared notably emotional after the final home game of the season against Dortmund, and when asked about his future by ARD said only: "We're spending two or three nights away with the team. Then I'll think about it."
Werder are seeking around €20m. Newcastle view the signing as part of a broader goalkeeping overhaul, with Nick Pope's long-term future at the club uncertain after an inconsistent campaign in which he lost his starting position to loanee Aaron Ramsdale for a period. Freiburg's interest could intensify depending on whether they qualify for the Champions League.
His contract runs until 2028. A deal remains in the negotiation phase with no agreement yet reached with any club.