VfB Stuttgart are considering a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers centre-back Ladislav Krejci, according to a report in Bild. The Bundesliga club are assessing options to bolster their defence, with the 27-year-old Czech international identified as a potential target.
Krejci’s position at Wolverhampton is currently unclear following their relegation from the Premier League at the end of last season. He joined Wolves from Girona in 2022 for a reported fee of €30 million, but the club may now be forced to consider offers below that valuation. Wolves are not expected to let Krejci leave for a significantly reduced fee, however.
Bild reports that any potential transfer to Stuttgart is contingent on the sale of an existing player to free up funds. Jeff Chabot, who has been linked with Italian clubs, and Ramon Hendriks, who has paused contract negotiations with Stuttgart, are both named as players who could facilitate Krejci’s arrival. Should either Chabot or Hendriks depart, Krejci would become Stuttgart’s priority target.
Krejci has established himself as a key player for the Czech Republic national team, captaining the side at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He appeared in all three of their group stage matches, scoring in their opening game against South Korea. He has 28 caps for his country, and has become a consistent performer in central defence.
Stuttgart finished the recent Bundesliga season in ninth place, and are looking to strengthen their squad ahead of the new campaign. Adding a player of Krejci’s experience and international pedigree would represent a significant addition to their defensive options. The transfer could provide Krejci with the opportunity to play regular first-team football in a top European league.
