VfB Stuttgart is standing in the Europa League with triple pollution. The squad developments are picking up speed. While Nick Woltemade and his transfer request is on everyone’s lips, the Swabians have to add to other positions.
Let’s clear the elephants from the lawn. The central question about VfB Stuttgart is currently: is changing the starter Nick Woltemade to Bavaria this summer? Negotiations between the cup winner and Bavaria have only started. There are tough conversation. The ideas of the two clubs are still very far apart. By up to 50 million euros to be precise.
According to information from RTL/NTV and Sport.de There are currently no signs that VfB leaves its hard line. So Woltemade needs patience.
VfB Stuttgart needs new offensive forces
One thing is clear: VfB Stuttgart still has to prepare for a departure. If Woltemade leaves the team, a replacement on the offensive is essential. In addition, loan player El Bilal Toure returns to Atalanta Bergamo.
Video: New details in the Woltemade poker
The club with Deniz Undav and Ermedin Demirovic is nominally positioned for the starting eleven. But even if Woltemade should stay, VfB would actually have to sign another striker. Most recently, the Serbian talent Lazar Jovanovic was traded, but is considered a perspective player. According to the “picture”, the deal is even fixed. A new man would definitely have to put pressure on Undav and Demirovic and give the two breaks in the European Cup weeks.
Possible strategy: Soft aid and a player with development opportunities such as Jovanovic.
Cader width is the right keyword. One of the teachings from last season with many ups and downs is that the club has to get players who can put pressure on top performers.
This became particularly clear in the central midfield and on the defensive.
Angelo Stiller and captain Atakan Karazor were challenged in almost every game. There was not really a challenger.
Yannik Keitel, with great ambitions, did not prevail under head coach Sebastian Hoeneß. His future is still open.
Especially in the sixth position, VfB still lacks a strong backup. In addition, there is still a threat of a departure from national player Stiller, who is being courted by Real Madrid and Liverpool.
Who puts the regulars under pressure?
A weakness in the VfB game was always the loose defensive. Jeff Chabot is a more than seasoned defense giant, but next to him it was lacking consistency and experience. Dan-Axel Zagadou would be a candidate, but is always out with injuries. It is significant that Youngster Finn Yeltsch, who only came from Nuremberg in winter, was in the starting XI several times. Winter access Luca Jaquez barely got a playing time, but did his job very solid in the cup final. The following also applies here: Experience would do the VfB well in this position.
As a backup on the left defender side behind Maximilian Mittelstädt, Max Finkgräfe from 1. FC Köln has been in conversation in recent months. However, this is now about a switch to RB Leipzig. Ramon Hendriks could also help on the left.
Fabian Wohlgemuth has already solved the vacancy on the right with the first summer transfer. Lorenz Assignon comes from Rennes and strengthens VfB in the right-back position. How things go with Josha Vagnoman and Pascal Stenzel is still open. Change is quite possible.
Another open question: What happens to Silas? The fast wing racer returns after its loan from Red Stern Belgrade. In recent years he did not manage to set himself in the starting eleven. Now he should show himself in preparation. With a suitable offer, however, VfB would probably give it.
Unclear future of Millot
And then there would be the open personnel Enzo Millot. The Frenchman openly flirts with a change. An exit clause enables him to transfer. So far, however, there is probably no club that would have signaled VfB to pay them.
If Millot is looking for the width, Wohlgemuth and Co. also have to target a substitute in the ten position. According to media reports, the Paul Wanner club from FC Bayern (possibly integrated in the Woltemade deal) and the Greeks Giannis Konstantelias on the piece. Fix has also been the change from Noah Darvich since Tuesday, which comes to the Neckar from FC Barcelona’s B team. As a direct million replacement, he has not yet been planned, and he can also prove himself in preparation. VfB sees great development potential in the 18-year-old.
The VfB should not lack money with a possible Woltemade deal, even if that can also bring a club to the bredouille-see the Gomez million 2009. Successor Pavel Pogrebnyak flopped.