VfB Stuttgart can continue to rely on Chema Andrés for the 2026-27 season, as Real Madrid have decided against activating their buy-back clause this summer, according to Diario AS. The Spanish publication reports that the La Liga club believes another year of regular first-team football in the Bundesliga will be crucial for the 21-year-old’s continued development.
Andrés joined Stuttgart permanently last year from Real Madrid for a fee of €3 million and quickly established himself as a key player for the Swabians, making 39 appearances across all competitions last season. Despite his successful campaign in Germany, the defensive midfielder has previously stated his desire to eventually return to the Santiago Bernabéu.
Real Madrid retain a €15 million buy-back option that they can exercise next year, providing a clear pathway for Andrés to rejoin his former club should he continue to progress. The option was included as part of the agreement when he initially moved to Stuttgart, allowing the Spanish giants to reassess his potential after a period of sustained playing time.
This decision allows Stuttgart to maintain a valuable asset in their midfield, having benefited significantly from Andrés’s performances in their recent Bundesliga campaign. The player’s continued presence offers stability and experience to a young squad, and the club can now focus on building around him for the foreseeable future. The buy-back clause still looms, but for now, Chema Andrés remains a Stuttgart player.
