VfB Stuttgart‘s attempt to sign Germany U21 international Dženan Pejčinović has stalled after VfL Wolfsburg rejected their improved transfer offer, with the clubs remaining approximately €3 million apart in their valuation of the striker.
The Champions League qualifiers initially tabled a bid of €16 million plus €2 million in bonuses for the 20-year-old, which was swiftly turned down by the newly relegated 2. Bundesliga side. Local reports suggested Stuttgart increased their proposal to €22 million earlier this week, though Wolfsburg have confirmed they have not yet received this revised offer.
Wolfsburg reluctant to sanction sale
Wolfsburg have placed a €25 million price tag on Pejčinović, who has expressed his desire to remain in Germany’s top flight with Stuttgart. Sporting director Dieter Hecking has publicly emphasised that the club are under no pressure to sell their contracted asset despite their relegation.
“Dzenan has a contract with us. We have a clear opinion. We don’t want to sell him. But, we don’t know what tomorrow will bring,” Hecking told WAZ.
The stance leaves Stuttgart with a decision to make as they seek to bolster their attack ahead of European competition. Pejčinović views the move as an opportunity to continue his development at the highest domestic level rather than playing in the second tier.
Alternative targets emerge
Should Stuttgart baulk at meeting the full asking price, they have identified Feyenoord winger Leo Sauer as a viable alternative. The 20-year-old Slovak international, who is tied to the Eredivisie club until 2028, has also attracted interest from fellow Bundesliga side TSG Hoffenheim.
Stuttgart bosses have promised to submit a further improved offer for Pejčinović, though reports indicate this would still fall short of Wolfsburg’s demands. The impasse places the Bundesliga club in a delicate position as they balance their search for attacking reinforcements against the financial realities of Wolfsburg’s firm stance.