VfB Stuttgart are poised to sign Dutch striker Tim van der Leij from RKC Waalwijk, according to a report from BILD. The 20-year-old forward has impressed in the Dutch second tier, scoring 17 goals in his debut season for RKC Waalwijk. Stuttgart reportedly overcame competition from clubs in Belgium and the Eredivisie to secure the deal.
Van der Leij joined RKC Waalwijk ahead of the 2023-24 season and quickly established himself as a key player, contributing significantly to their campaign. Prior to this, he progressed through the youth ranks at several Dutch clubs, demonstrating a consistent goalscoring record at youth level. His height, listed at 1.93 meters, adds another dimension to his game, making him a threat in the air.
The transfer fee is expected to reach seven figures, including performance-related bonuses, as reported by BILD. Initially, Stuttgart intend to integrate Van der Leij into VfB Nachwuchs, their reserve team which competes in the 3. Liga. This suggests the club views the signing as a long-term investment, allowing the young striker to develop within the Stuttgart system.
Despite the initial plan for the reserve team, Van der Leij’s goalscoring record suggests he could potentially challenge for a place in the first team in the future. He currently has a contract with RKC Waalwijk that runs until 2028, but Stuttgart have seemingly been able to negotiate a deal to bring him to the Bundesliga. The player is expected to sign his contract with Stuttgart in the coming days, pending a successful medical.
This move represents a significant step up in Van der Leij’s career, offering him the opportunity to test himself in one of Europe’s top leagues. For Stuttgart, the signing adds depth to their attacking options and provides a promising young talent for the future, potentially bolstering their squad for years to come.
