After two outstanding Joker appearances at the 2026 World Cup, the whole world now knows DFB goalgetter Deniz Undav. Although the striker recently extended his contract with VfB Stuttgart, they are now preparing for possible poaching attempts.
As the “kicker” reports, the Swabians are assuming internally that, depending on how the tournament goes, offers for their own World Cup drivers could soon come their way.
This primarily refers to the DFB stars Angelo Stiller, Jamie Leweling and Deniz Undav. Ermedin Demirovic and Bilal El Khannouss could also be affected.
It is said that advances are still conceivable, particularly from the English Premier League, even late in the transfer window. For this reason, VfB is currently actively putting the brakes on other transfer decisions.
According to “kicker”, there is a clear intention to reduce the size of the squad this summer. However, the departures of candidates such as Jovan Milosevic, Yannik Keitel and Leonidas Stergiou could only be forced well after the start of preparation.
Only two exit clauses at VfB Stuttgart
The aim is to keep options open and also guarantee that the first training sessions after the summer break go smoothly when the World Cup drivers are still on special vacation.
In addition to the World Cup players, VfB also counts Jeff Chabot, Ramon Hendriks, Chris Führich and Atakan Karazor among the players who could arouse interest on the transfer market, according to “kicker”.
However, the Neckar sees itself in a good position when it comes to all personnel issues. There are only exit clauses for Stiller and Führich.
Even Real Madrid is said to have recently tried to get the Swabians’ playmaker. The 25-year-old reportedly has an exit option worth around 36.5 million euros.
VfB could probably buy this contractual structure from Stiller for two million euros and then freely negotiate a transfer fee. For Führich, the clause is reportedly between 20 and 25 million euros.
The Stuttgart team only extended their long-term contract with Undav shortly before the World Cup. The new working paper ends in summer 2029 and includes the option for another season.
On the access side, the Champions League participant has struck three times so far and has signed midfield veteran Grischa Prömel, goalkeeper backup Marius Funk and offensive talent Tim van der Leij.
There will probably only be further new additions when there is a clear need somewhere. Basically, the upheaval in Swabia before the new season should be as small as possible, writes the “kicker”.
