VfB Stuttgart will open their Bundesliga campaign without first-choice goalkeeper Dennis Seimen after the club confirmed the 20-year-old faces an extended spell on the sidelines with a thigh muscle injury.
Medical assessments indicate the Germany Under-21 international will be unavailable until the end of September, depriving the Swabians of their new senior starter during the crucial opening phase of the season. Seimen had been poised to assume the number one role following the conclusion of Alexander Nübel’s three-year loan arrangement, but the muscle complaint disrupts those preparations at a time when Stuttgart must also negotiate a demanding Champions League group stage schedule.
Bredlow handed temporary reins
Fabian Bredlow is expected to step into the breach. The experienced goalkeeper earned the trust of the coaching staff through his decisive display in last season’s DFB-Pokal semi-final triumph against SC Freiburg, and he will now carry primary responsibility while Seimen undergoes rehabilitation. Behind Bredlow, Stefan Drljaca and recent acquisition Marius Funk provide additional cover should selection issues arise across multiple competitions.
Transfer market under review
The injury has nevertheless prompted sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth to reassess the club’s goalkeeping resources. “Our personnel planning for the coming season was known to be largely completed. We have a lot of quality in our goalkeeping team even without Dennis (Seimen), but we have to discuss in the coming days whether we will become active in the transfer market again,” Wohlgemuth acknowledged.
Stuttgart have been associated with several experienced stoppers as potential emergency acquisitions. Former Manchester City reserve Stefan Ortega represents one option, although he is heavily linked with a move to Olympiacos. Alternatively, Ørjan Nyland remains available after departing RB Leipzig and representing Norway at the recent World Cup in North America, though no formal approach has materialised from the Bundesliga side.
The coming days will determine whether Bredlow’s temporary elevation proves sufficient to cover domestic and European commitments, or if the club seeks additional security before the transfer window closes.