For Undav, the VfB Stuttgart is pushing its limit.
Havelse, Braunschweig II, Meppen, Union Saint-Gilloise, Brighton, VfB Stuttgart: Deniz Undav's career path is far from ordinary. After being crowned with a nomination for the home EM, it's still unclear how the football fairy tale will continue. Now, there's finally a decision.
Deniz Undav beamed with relief as he presented the shirt with the red chest band between CEO Alexander Wehrle and sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth. "It was always my wish to stay at VfB. It's a great feeling that the waiting is finally over and I'm back here," said the national player, after a months-long tug-of-war ended and he signed a three-year contract until 2027.
VfB Stuttgart, the runners-up, went to great lengths to keep the crowd favorite. The Swabians will pay up to 30 million euros for Undav to Brighton & Hove Albion. At 28 years old, he is the most expensive signing in the club's history. Just a few weeks ago, the VfB paid 21 million euros for Ermedin Demirovic to FC Augsburg.
"Economically a new dimension"
"Deniz has achieved extraordinary things in his first year in Stuttgart. Deniz is someone who inspires as a type and is important for the social cohesion of the team. Sportingly and extracurricularly, he quickly became an identification figure for us," praised Wohlgemuth. For this, the VfB has "economically entered a new dimension".
Undav was loaned from Brighton last summer - and he hit it off under coach Sebastian Hoeneß. With his 19 goal contributions in 33 games, he made it to national player and EM participant under Julian Nagelsmann. Above all, however, he played his way into the hearts of the fans with his carefree and open manner in a short time.
Undav disappointed by Brighton
Again and again, Undav therefore emphasized how much he would like to stay in Stuttgart. "They love me," he said again this week. But Brighton hesitated until the end, which Undav criticized. "Nothing happened for a year," he said, "I didn't really get any appreciation from Brighton last year. No one took care of me."
The VfB all the more so. After the departure of goal scorer Serhou Guirassy to Borussia Dortmund, the final stay of the attacker is all the more important for the league runners-up. Accordingly, the VfB was also ready to invest a (large) part of the expected Champions League revenues for Undav. In one and a half weeks (17th August), the VfB will face champions Bayer Leverkusen in the Supercup final, and the new Bundesliga season will start a week later. And with Undav.
Deniz Undav's decision to return to VfB Stuttgart as a national football team player marked a significant investment for the club, making him the most expensive signing in their history. Despite Brighton & Hove Albion initially holding him, Undav expressed his disappointment with the English club's treatment during his loan period, feeling unappreciated and overlooked.
