Is VfB facing a similarly drawn-out contract extension saga as Bayern recently did with Dayot Upamecano?
At the very least, the contract talks with VfB striker Deniz Undav, which are now starting according to ‘SportBild’, won’t just take a few days.
With eleven league goals, the 29-year-old is Stuttgart’s top scorer and ranks second in the Bundesliga scoring charts behind Harry Kane.
Therefore, it’s quite likely that other clubs from the top leagues—especially from the Premier League—also have Undav on their radar. His contract with VfB runs until June 2027.
According to ‘SportBild’, Undav himself would like to extend for three years, while the club only wants two. Undav shouldn’t expect more money, since with around 4.5 million euros he’s already among Stuttgart’s top earners—and otherwise the club’s salary structure would be blown apart.
He and his family reportedly feel very comfortable in Stuttgart—he’s a fan favorite at VfB, and coach Sebastian Hoeneß is fully convinced by the striker.
Of course, the World Cup also plays a role. If Undav stays in top form, Nagelsmann won’t want to do without him. If the national player also scores for his country on the big stage, even more clubs could take notice—before he enters his final contract year with Stuttgart.
Sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth & Co. are determined to avoid that at all costs. Ideally, a new contract should be signed before the World Cup. If a transfer does happen, Stuttgart will certainly ensure they get a significant transfer fee.
📸 Adam Pretty – 2023 Getty Images
