Deniz Undav linked with summer move after Stuttgart's frustrating defeat
VfB Stuttgart striker Deniz Undav is attracting significant transfer interest following a standout season, according to sources close to the club. The 29-year-old German forward, who is on loan from Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion, has been a revelation for Sebastian Hoeneß's side, scoring 18 Bundesliga goals. His future is set to be a major talking point this summer, with Stuttgart keen to make his move permanent but facing competition.
Undav's situation was highlighted this weekend after a performance where his team dominated but lost 2-0 to Borussia Dortmund. Speaking after the match, Undav reflected on a frustrating evening. "We controlled the game for the entire duration, but we were punished ruthlessly in the end," he said. His coach, Sebastian Hoeneß, also pointed to a lack of cutting edge despite his team's dominance, a rare off-night for his top scorer.
The striker's loan agreement includes a purchase option, reported to be in the region of €20 million, which Stuttgart are eager to exercise. However, his prolific form has put other clubs on alert, potentially complicating the deal. Undav's journey to this point has been unconventional, featuring spells in the German lower leagues with SV Meppen and Union SG in Belgium before his move to Brighton in 2022.
For Stuttgart, securing Undav permanently is a primary objective for the summer transfer window as they plan for a likely Champions League campaign. His goals have been instrumental in their remarkable rise to a top-three Bundesliga position. The club's sporting director, Fabian Wohlgemuth, has previously expressed a desire to keep the player, but acknowledged negotiations with Brighton will be necessary.
Brighton, for their part, will assess their own attacking options under new manager Fabian Hürzeler before making a final decision on Undav's next destination. The player's preference is believed to be staying in Stuttgart, where he has enjoyed a seamless fit in Hoeneß's system. His potential transfer is poised to be one of the more intriguing sagas of the German off-season, with his clinical finishing making him a valuable asset for any side.
