Bayer Leverkusen Express Interest in Stuttgart's Deniz Undav
Bayer Leverkusen have reportedly registered their interest in VfB Stuttgart and Germany striker Deniz Undav, whose contract talks with his current club have reportedly stalled. According to Sky Germany, the 27-year-old forward is in negotiations with Stuttgart over a new deal, but the two parties remain far apart on financial terms.
Undav, whose current contract runs until 2027, is said to be seeking a significant wage increase to around €6 million per season, a figure that would make him Stuttgart's highest-paid player in history. This has complicated extension talks, alerting other clubs to a potential opportunity this summer. Sky Germany reports that Bayer Leverkusen, the reigning Bundesliga champions, are among the clubs monitoring the situation with concrete interest.
The 29-year-old is enjoying a career-best season, having scored 23 goals and provided 13 assists in 39 appearances across all competitions for Stuttgart. His form was a key factor in the club's successful push for UEFA Champions League qualification. Stuttgart are understandably keen to retain their star striker, but the financial demands have created an impasse.
Leverkusen, having just secured the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double under Xabi Alonso, are in the market for attacking reinforcements and are long-term admirers of Undav. The 29-year-old's ability to play across the front line and his proven Bundesliga goal-scoring record make him an attractive target for the champions. His potential arrival would provide competition and cover for star striker Victor Boniface, adding depth for Leverkusen's return to the Champions League.
For Stuttgart, the situation is delicate. Losing their top scorer, especially to a direct domestic rival, would be a significant blow to their ambitions of building on this season's success. However, his high wage demands and the financial power of interested clubs could force a sale, with one year remaining on his contract after the upcoming season. The club's sporting director, Fabian Wohlgemuth, is now under pressure to either meet the player's demands or secure a high-value transfer that would fund a major squad rebuild. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Undav extends his stay at the MHPArena or makes a high-profile move to the BayArena.
