SC Paderborn have announced the capture of Laurin Ulrich from VfB Stuttgart. The 21-year-old attacking midfielder arrives on a one-year loan agreement for the 2026/27 campaign after penning an extension at his parent club until 2028.
Ulrich arrives with significant second-tier experience following a productive spell at 1. FC Magdeburg last season. The VfB academy graduate made 33 appearances in the 2. Bundesliga, contributing three goals and three assists while operating as a regular feature in Magdeburg’s midfield. Those consistent performances convinced Stuttgart to continue his development through temporary game time elsewhere rather than sanctioning a permanent departure from the Mercedes-Benz Arena.
Agreement Structure
Crucially, the arrangement contains no option to buy, ensuring Stuttgart retain complete authority over the player’s long-term future when the loan concludes next summer. The decision to extend Ulrich’s contract until 2028 prior to the move underlines the parent club’s faith in his potential and their clear intention to reintegrate him into their first-team plans following this developmental period.
Record Investment
This signing marks Paderborn’s third loan acquisition of the summer and forms part of a club-record spending spree as they assemble their squad for the upcoming Bundesliga season. Sporting director Sebastian Lange has highlighted Ulrich’s technical qualities and tactical intelligence, noting that his previous experience in Germany’s second flight means he arrives with maturity beyond his years.
The financial outlay required to secure the midfielder reflects Paderborn’s elevated ambitions and strategic approach to recruitment. By tapping into the loan market for emerging talent from established top-flight academies, the club aim to strengthen their competitive position without committing to permanent transfer fees for developing players.
For Ulrich, the switch offers another platform to establish himself at a higher level while maintaining a clear pathway back to Stuttgart. With his contract secured for the long term and no permanent transfer clause activated, the youngster can focus entirely on gaining valuable Bundesliga minutes and continuing his progression during the 2026/27 campaign.