VfB Stuttgart and the need in the storm

Many names were discussed, but ultimately none materialized: VfB Stuttgart failed to find a replacement for the departed Nick Woltemade. Thus, the central attack will be thin for the foreseeable future—these are the Swabians' options.

Brian Brobbey (Ajax Amsterdam) was considered a possible successor to the German international at VfB Stuttgart following the departure of Nick Woltemade (Newcastle United) . However, the 23-year-old Dutchman moved to Premier League club AFC Sunderland on the last day of the summer transfer window. Victor Boniface had also been linked with the club, at least according to the media, but the Bayer 04 Leverkusen striker is moving to SV Werder Bremen on loan.

Two prominent names serve as examples of the hustle and bustle in the final days before the transfer list was closed at VfB Stuttgart. Sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth and his team had actually planned to keep Woltemade in and through the 2024/2025 season – but the astronomically high offer from Newcastle made a sale of the 1.98-meter-tall striker commercially imperative . Wolltemade was ultimately intended to replace Hyeon-Gyu Oh. The Korean had already arrived in the Neckar region and completed his medical on Monday.

However, apparent inconsistencies arose, and the move ultimately fell through. The transfer had "stalled," Oh's Belgian club, KRC Genk, told the daily newspaper "Het Laatste Nieuws" on Tuesday. "In practical terms, the cancellation of this deal means that Oh will return to Genk and rejoin coach Thorsten Fink's team."

According to media reports, the Swabians were willing to pay around €20 million for the South Korean, while Genk reportedly demanded more. According to the portal "transfermarkt.de," the market value of the 24-year-old Ohs is just €3.5 million. A very high sum would have been due – everything would have to be right, which they clearly don't have.

"We've had him on our list for a long time," Wohlgemuth confirmed. The Swabians wanted to reinvest a large portion of the Woltemade proceeds directly, as an attacker with precisely that profile (tall, physically robust, fine technique, good at holding on to the ball) is now missing from the squad.

Deniz Undav's knee injury further increased the pressure on Wohlgemuth and his team. The 29-year-old injured his medial ligament in VfB's 1-0 win against Borussia Mönchengladbach and will be out for several weeks. "That was an additional burden," said Wohlgemuth, describing the situation that arose over the weekend as "rather suboptimal."

That's almost an understatement, because strictly speaking, VfB only has Ermedin Demirovic available up front. Of all people, you could say. The Bosnian, who scored 15 goals last season, was rumored to be a potential exit candidate in the summer, but emphasized his determination to persevere. Moreover, Demirovic added, he feels very comfortable in Stuttgart.

After the international break, however, the busy weeks begin. Then the workload will be intense, so Demirovic can't afford to get injured while carrying a triple responsibility, otherwise things will be very tight for VfB's attack. Should the 27-year-old also be sidelined, Tiago Tomás, who has been brought back from Wolfsburg, and Jamie Leweling would be the first candidates to play in attack. However, both are more wingers who aren't as comfortable in the center of the pitch.

Silas has also played in attack. However, the winger, who was on loan to Red Star Belgrade last season, missed the entire preseason due to injury.

Stuttgart's reserve team in the 3. Liga also features Mo Sankoh, a talent who debuted in the Bundesliga in 2020 as a superb talent, but a horrific injury put a stop to his career. Will the still only 21-year-old get another chance to join VfB's first team?

Uncertain. Perhaps that's why Wohlgemuth is trying to steer the debate surrounding the DFB Cup winner's attack. "Perhaps we shouldn't focus on what's missing, but rather on what's there," said the sporting director, referring to Demirovic. Wohlgemuth believes the muscular attacker will continue to improve in his second year at VfB.

He can and should begin doing so in the coming weeks. Undav could then return after the next international break in October at the latest – and that would at least ease the situation in VfB's attack somewhat.

Broadcast on Tue., 2.9.2025 6:00 a.m., SWR Aktuell in the morning, SWR Aktuell

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