Deniz Undav is poised to become the highest-paid player in VfB Stuttgart history after the club tabled a record-breaking contract proposal. The German forward has received a written offer to extend his deal through summer 2029, with an optional additional season, according to Sport Bild. The new terms represent a significant salary increase from his current €4.5 million annually to €5.5 million per year, plus a €2 million signing bonus—an unprecedented package that required supervisory board approval.
The 29-year-old, who joined Stuttgart permanently from Brighton in 2024 for approximately €27 million, has delivered an exceptional campaign in Swabian colours. Across 45 competitive matches, Undav has netted 25 goals and provided 14 assists, establishing himself as the club's most influential attacking force. His performances have been central to Stuttgart's strong showing this season, making contract retention a priority for CEO Alexander Wehrle and the club's hierarchy.
Contract Talks Accelerate After Cup Final
Stuttgart management plans to intensify negotiations once the season concludes, following Saturday's DFB-Pokal final against defending champions FC Bayern in Berlin. Wehrle confirmed discussions will be "stepped up" after this showpiece fixture, though he stopped short of imposing a firm deadline. The club's ambition is to finalize terms before pre-season preparations commence ahead of the next campaign.
Undav himself has signalled willingness to commit, telling Sky Deutschland: "I've often said that I enjoy playing here. I like it here. I feel like a Stuttgart native, even though I'm not." He set a personal deadline around his World Cup commitments, though acknowledged both parties remain close on major points. According to reports, disagreements centre on relatively minor details surrounding the signing-on fee structure.
Transfer Risk Looms if Deal Stalls
Time is of the essence for Stuttgart. Undav's current contract extends only to 2027, meaning a breakdown in negotiations could trigger a summer departure. A swift resolution protects the club's investment and maintains squad stability heading into the new season. The forward's stellar output this term—combining prolific goalscoring with creative playmaking—makes him a priority for European clubs monitoring the Bundesliga market.
The deal's approval by Stuttgart's supervisory board underscores its significance within the club's financial framework. This marks a departure from the tenure of previous leadership and signals renewed ambition under Allgeier's presidency. Whether Undav commits to this historic package will determine whether Stuttgart retains their breakthrough star or faces a potentially destabilizing summer transfer battle.
