Ermedin Demirovic has finally addressed the transfer speculation that plagued his summer at VfB Stuttgart, revealing the psychological toll the rumours took on him. The 28-year-old Bosnian striker dismissed claims he was available for sale, insisting he never seriously entertained a departure despite interest from Galatasaray and persistent media reports linking him away from the Bundesliga club.
"It was sleepless nights at home," Demirovic admitted after Stuttgart's commanding 4-1 victory over 1. FC Köln on Friday evening. The striker came off the bench to score the decisive third goal in the 75th minute, capping a performance that underlined his commitment to the club. Reports during the transfer window had suggested coach Sebastian Hoeneß would sanction his departure if a suitable offer materialised, a claim the manager firmly rejected in July. "My goal is always to have the best players at VfB and Medo is one of our best players," Hoeneß had stated, visibly irritated by the speculation.
Demirovic's Internal Struggle
Despite his coach's public backing, the constant chatter eroded Demirovic's confidence. "A lie was already spread during the training camp that the coach wanted to sell me," he explained. Even after Hoeneß's clarification, doubt crept in. "At some point you enter a phase in which you ask yourself: 'Do you actually have to look around? Am I so unwanted?'" The psychological impact ran deep, with the striker questioning his standing at the club he has performed consistently for over recent seasons.
Galatasaray's reported interest never materialized into a concrete move. Demirovic prioritised stability over speculation. "At the moment there is not much better out there," he reasoned. The coach's reassurance—his sense of importance restored through direct conversations—ultimately anchored his decision. "I left the coach no other choice and said that I was staying at VfB," Demirovic stated with finality.
Stuttgart's Response on the Pitch
The Cologne performance vindicated his choice. Stuttgart bounced back emphatically from their humbling 5-1 opening-day defeat to Bayern Munich, with Demirovic's cameo appearance providing the crucial finishing touch. His goal, arriving just five minutes after entering play in the 70th minute, broke down a resilient visiting side that had threatened Stuttgart's defence throughout the second half. The 4-1 scoreline represented more than three points; it signalled intent and stability ahead of a demanding season. With Demirovic now fully committed and reinvigorated, Stuttgart possess a focal point in attack capable of delivering the consistency required in both Bundesliga and European competition.
