Contract negotiations between Deniz Undav and VfB Stuttgart are reaching a critical point, with the striker reportedly issuing a deadline for a resolution.
According to Bild, Undav desires clarity on his future by next Tuesday at the latest, as he is set to join the German national team squad for their trip to the USA. Following VfB’s DFB-Pokal final loss to Bayern Munich, Undav had previously hinted that his willingness to negotiate was limited to the period before his national team departure. «I’m gone from Wednesday onwards. Let’s see what happens by then,» he stated.
Should an agreement not be reached before his World Cup departure, negotiations are expected to be «put on ice for the time being.» This would effectively take a contract extension beyond 2027 off the table for this summer, putting VfB at risk of losing Undav on a free transfer. From January 1st, the German international would be free to negotiate with other clubs.
However, it appears the club is determined to avoid such a scenario. Bild reports that VfB’s management will present Undav with a second, improved offer before the upcoming weekend. Undav, VfB’s top scorer, had previously rejected an initial offer for a three-year contract with an option until 2030 in early May.
VfB’s leadership, including CEO Alexander Wehrle and Sporting Director Fabian Wohlgemuth, are now aiming to raise their offer. The supervisory board has reportedly already approved the new contract proposal for Undav, which is said to include a base salary of €5.5 to €6 million per year (up from the current €4.5 million) and a signing bonus of €3 million. This is reportedly a club-record offer.
Undav’s Desire to Stay at VfB Stuttgart Amidst World Cup Joker Role
Undav himself has reportedly signaled to VfB officials that he is open to a long-term stay with the club, expressing comfort for himself and his family both within the team and the city. However, his exceptional season (25 goals, 14 assists) has also attracted the attention of international and wealthier clubs.
Despite his strong club performance, Undav is expected to play a role as a substitute for Bundestrainer Julian Nagelsmann at the World Cup. Kai Havertz is likely to retain the starting striker position, and in recent test matches, Undav found himself behind Nick Woltemade, even though the technically gifted striker has faced difficulties at Newcastle United and his scoring record pales in comparison to Undav’s.
After Undav became the match-winner in the second test match against Ghana and publicly expressed his hopes for a starting spot despite Nagelsmann’s clear role distribution, the Bundestrainer made some questionable remarks directed at the VfB striker. He has since personally apologized to Undav, and the player himself confirmed that his relationship with Nagelsmann has not been affected.