The transfer window that opens in January is likely to leave its mark on VfB Stuttgart as well. Now, the runners-up are being linked to former Heidenheim player Jan-Niklas Beste.
When Fabian Wohlgemuth took stock of the first half of the season a few days ago, Stuttgart’s sporting director did not want to show his hand. “We will discuss possible activities on the transfer market with CEO Alex Wehrle, sports director Christian Genter, scout Thomas Henning, trainer Sebastian Hoeneß and myself, and then take immediate action if necessary,” said the 45-year-old non-committally. “It’s a case of weighing up the pros and cons: the benefits have to justify the financial outlay. But we will look at things that will really help us and take us forward.”
Behind closed doors, it has long been clear that reinforcements could be useful after a season of ups and downs. In attack, it was hoped that things would improve after Deniz Undav and Jamie Leweling (both with torn muscle fibers in the left posterior thigh) will return at the start of the preparation for the rest of the season.
Bruun Larsen no longer an issue
However, Justin Diehl now also has to take a longer break with a more severe thigh injury. After Fabian Rieder and Chris Führich too often showed inconsistent performances, Ermedin Demirovic was too often on the losing end alone in the center forward position, El Bilal Touré (broken metatarsal and subsequent surgery) will be out for months, and based on past experience, one can never be safe from the misfortune of injury, there is unmistakably a certain state of emergency. Even though coach Sebastian Hoeneß never tires of praising his remaining offensive players, in which Nick Woltemade has recently scored points, for their goal-scoring rate.
In view of the aforementioned bottlenecks in attack, thoughts were raised a few weeks ago about Hoffenheim’s Jacob Bruun Larsen, but these were shelved again. Now another left winger is emerging on the list of possible candidates: Jan-Niklas Beste. The former Heidenheim player, who moved to Benfica Lisbon in the summer, is suddenly back on the market and interesting again. In addition to RB Leipzig, the name of the national player, who is feared for his standards, is also being discussed at VfB. Especially since a loan agreement is being discussed, which would fit perfectly into the plans of the runners-up. However, clubs from the English Premier League are also said to have set their sights on the man with the unmistakable beard.
What happens to Krätzig?
Regardless of this, the question arises in Stuttgart as to whether another experienced central defender is needed in view of various uncertainties in the defense. Summer newcomer Adeem Al-Dakhil has so far not exactly proven to be a stability factor in the short term, both physically and in terms of talent. Here, too, a loan with a purchase option would be preferred so as not to block the two’s path.
In contrast, the loan of Frans Krätzig is being reviewed. The Bayern professional was unable to meet expectations and did not find a way into the Swabians’ matchday squad. A departure of the 21-year-old left back is an option, but the final decision has not been made. If the club were to part ways, VfB would like to bring in Max Finkgräfe early, who is expected to arrive in the summer at the latest.
