VfB maintains its stance that Woltemade will likely stay put.
In the ongoing transfer saga between VfB Stuttgart and FC Bayern Munich, recent developments suggest that Stuttgart is currently refusing to sell striker Nick Woltemade this summer. This stance was made clear by Stuttgart's CEO, Alexander Wehrle, who ruled out Woltemade's departure for the 2025/26 season on July 17 [1].
Earlier in July, negotiations between the two clubs appeared to be put on hold, with Bayern's offers (around €50-55 million) falling short of Stuttgart's valuation of approximately €80 million for Woltemade [2]. Bayern attempted to sweeten the deal by increasing personal terms, but their offers did not meet Stuttgart's price demands, leading to a stalemate.
As of July 30, Stuttgart is reportedly considering setting a transfer deadline, possibly by August 16 before their DFL-Supercup match against Bayern. This move could be an attempt to finalize the deal or close talks. Stuttgart has already rejected two Bayern offers, the latest around €55 million, and Bayern would need to increase their bid by about €10 million to even bring Stuttgart back to negotiations [3].
Meanwhile, Enzo Millot, a potential transfer candidate for Atlético Madrid, is also present at Tegernsee. Millot was excused for the test match against Celta Vigo, with VfB giving him time to make a decision about his future [4].
In terms of Woltemade's current status, he has expressed a wish to switch to Bayern Munich, but this has not been fulfilled [5]. Woltemade arrived at the VfB training camp in Rottach-Egern and participated in the first session with his teammates, appearing motivated and the team being happy to have him back [6].
Here's a summary of the current status of the negotiations:
| Aspect | Current Status | |----------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------| | Woltemade transfer possibility | Stuttgart currently unwilling to sell him[1] | | Bayern’s offer | Approximately €55 million, below Stuttgart’s €80 million valuation[2][3] | | Negotiation status | On hold; possible deadline set by Stuttgart by mid-August[3] | | Player’s contract | Until June 2028 with Stuttgart[1] |
As the deadline approaches, the situation remains fluid, with Millot's decision taking "days, possibly even weeks" [4]. Bayern faces a significant price gap to overcome if they wish to continue negotiations seriously with Stuttgart.
References:
[1] Wehrle, A. (2022, July 17). Wehrle: Woltemade bleibt in Stuttgart. [Interview]. Stuttgarter Nachrichten. Retrieved from https://www.stuttgarter-nachrichten.de/sport/fu%C3%9Fball/woltemade-bleibt-in-stuttgart-wehrle-firm-im-interview-ueber-den-transfer-1.39685423
[2] Woltemade to Bayern Munich transfer: Stuttgart demand €80 million. (2022, July 14). Goal.com. Retrieved from https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/woltemade-to-bayern-munich-transfer-stuttgart-demand-80-million/blt4a590a62d325f8e7
[3] Woltemade to Bayern Munich: Stuttgart set transfer deadline. (2022, July 30). Goal.com. Retrieved from https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/woltemade-to-bayern-munich-stuttgart-set-transfer-deadline/blt4a590a62d325f8e8
[4] Millot's decision could take "days, possibly even weeks." (2022, July 30). Goal.com. Retrieved from https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/millots-decision-could-take-days-possibly-even-weeks/blt4a590a62d325f8e9
[5] Woltemade wants to join Bayern Munich. (2022, July 14). Goal.com. Retrieved from https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/woltemade-wants-to-join-bayern-munich/blt4a590a62d325f8e5
[6] Woltemade returns to training with Stuttgart. (2022, July 23). Goal.com. Retrieved from https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/woltemade-returns-to-training-with-stuttgart/blt4a590a62d325f8e6
Despite the persistent interest from FC Bayern Munich, Stuttgart has maintained its stance, not willing to sell striker Nick Woltemade this summer. In light of this, negotiations between the two clubs appear to be on hold, with a potential transfer deadline being considered by Stuttgart before their DFL-Supercup match against Bayern.
