Yeah, €18m profit would really open some doors in terms of transfer opportunity and creativity. Ideally, half of that should be re-invested on a couple of quality acquisitions who can provide immediate support. Management did spend a fair amount last year on Kostic. Although he started off the campaign slowly, he made strides towards the second half and ended on a positive note. Likewise with Ginczek, who was also good bargain find. Hopefully the scouts have done their homework this year and have some nice targets lined up. Several clubs have also inquired about Maxim, in which VfB has responded with a price tag of around €7m. I'm on the fence here regarding this matter. Although he did struggle last season, I'm still a big fan of the lad. With a bit of rejuvenation, he can make a comeback and be an important asset to the team.
Rudiger is a future national team starter, so I hope we're playing hardball. I'm resigned to him leaving, but I'm not resigned to letting him leave for less than top dollar. I like Maxim too, but he's more replaceable.
Sakai is leaving to HSV on a 3 year contract for €700.000. I thought he was decent. Couldn't cross very well, but always played hard and was reliable.
He always played as a left-back for some reason, despite being right-footed. I liked him too. What do you think are the biggest team needs? I'd say a Rudiger replacement, because Niedermeier is useless, and all the fullbacks we can possibly sign. Klein is decent, Schwaab is a center back, and that's about all there is for two pretty important positions.
From Jens 1893: It looks like Tonci Kukoc is coming, although it hasn't been announced. If this is really him, and he's coming,
If that is him, why would he tweet in English about going to a German club? And why would he curse? It's not him. Plus this is a guy who lasted a year for a bad team in Serie B. I wouldn't get too excited.
Here's a link to the Stuttgarter Nachrichten: http://www.stuttgarter-nachrichten....kai.1f299abe-4feb-430c-a7f2-79df48da8a03.html It doesn't sound like it's a done deal yet, but it sounds like a strong possibility. Kukoc also posted another tweet in German, if that was really him.
I bet it is him, but I also agree that it wouldn't be a signing to get super excited about (not that anybody really is). At least he plays the right position! Also, match tomorrow!
Positive start to the summer preseason for Stuttgart, winning 6-3 against a decent opponent in Viktoria Plzen. Several new players with some nice contributions, including goals by Kiesewetter, new signing Kliment, and U19 youth player Ferati. Maxim was a constant source of creativity and assisted on many of the goals. You guys have a lot of quality young talent to work with this year, hopefully Zorniger is the coach who can bring out the best from them. Timo Werner also begins the U19 Euro tournament on Tuesday.
From the "That Didn't Take Long" Department: Mitch Langerack is already injured, spraining his right thigh. http://www.stuttgarter-nachrichten....aus.92371b08-423c-41b1-aa4f-2a99aebc6113.html
It looks like Konstantin Rausch is out. Will be transferred to SV Darmstadt 98, on a free I believe. It's not definite, but it looks likely. http://www.stuttgarter-nachrichten....-98.7d1383bd-5459-4407-96b0-2a42acaad2f5.html
Forgot about Philip Heise in my fullback post, who had an assist yesterday. So left backs are Heise and Hlousek, right backs are Klein and Schwaab. Still not great, but there are warm bodies at least.
Emiliano Insua is reportedly signed for 3 years from Atletico Madrid. Another LB? We must be confident of shipping Hlousek. After single-handedly blowing the victory against Freiburg and almost getting us relegated, that would a fair result.
It's official, from VfB's website: http://www.vfb.de/en/aktuell/meldungen/news/2015/neuzugang-emiliano-insua/page/3773-1-1-.html?f2
No! Our big payday might be on hold, or called off this year. It wouldn't be the worst thing if we kept Rüdiger for another season. I'd still want another CB, though. http://www.vfb.de/en/aktuell/meldungen/news/2015/antonio-ruediger-verletzung/page/3806-1-1-.html
I'd much rather have Rudiger than the payday, but that's because I think the payday isn't going to be as big as it should be.
Chelsea apparently offered €37m for Everton's CB John Stones. He's a great young player, and he qualifies as a homegrown player for FA requirements, but it's strange that they (allegedly) wouldn't even go to €20m for Rudiger even though he's probably just as good. Makes me wonder if they're going to come back before the transfer deadline if they can't get some of their other targets.
Ruediger's already in Rome for a medical check. Landed yesterday, already took pictures with Roma scarf.
So Rüdiger has supposesigned for Roma. Rumor has it that Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli is the candidate to replace him. Alternatively, a loan of Matthias Ginter is supposedly in the cards.
Looks like Rüdiger is a done deal: http://www.asroma.it/en/news/roma_complete_rudiger_signing €4 million fee for the loan this year and an option to make the transfer permanent from the 2016-17 season for a fee of €9 million.
From what I understand, it's actually a mutual option, so Roma will have to take Rüdiger if Stuttgart says so. It was done to circumvent the financial fair play rules apparently.