VfB Stuttgart have joined the race to sign Feyenoord forward Leo Sauer, setting up a potential Bundesliga battle with Hoffenheim for the Slovakia international.
The 20-year-old attacker enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in 2024/25, scoring seven league goals during a loan spell at Dutch side NAC Breda. Upon returning to Feyenoord last term, he found the net three times across 20 Eredivisie outings. Sauer has also established himself on the international stage, having been one of the standout performers when Slovakia stunned Germany in a World Cup qualifier last year.
His displays in the Netherlands and for his national team have attracted concrete interest from the German top flight, with two clubs now monitoring his situation closely.
Hoffenheim weigh alternatives
Hoffenheim remain interested in securing Sauer’s services but are currently prioritising a move for RB Salzburg winger Adam Daghim. The Danish international spent the 2024/25 season on loan at VfL Wolfsburg, and reports indicate that the Sinsheim club are focusing their efforts on securing that transfer before committing to other attacking options.
Stuttgart’s parallel negotiations
Stuttgart’s pursuit of Sauer coincides with ongoing negotiations with Wolfsburg for striker Dženan Pejčinović. The club are actively seeking to bolster their offensive resources ahead of the new campaign, though no agreements have been reached for either target.
The situation leaves Sauer in a position where he must wait for the German clubs to resolve their respective priorities. With Hoffenheim awaiting developments on Daghim and Stuttgart managing multiple negotiations, the race for the Slovak’s signature remains open.
Neither club has advanced to a decisive stage in talks for the 20-year-old, who is capable of operating across various attacking roles. The transfer is unlikely to conclude imminently as both sides assess their options and financial parameters.