Deniz Undav returns to VfB Stuttgart from Brighton
Deniz Undav has secured a permanent transfer to VfB Stuttgart from Brighton and Hove Albion having enjoyed a sensational season on loan at the Bundesliga club last season.
The 28-year-old has agreed terms on a three-year deal at the MHPArena, having played a significant role in Stuttgart's hugely successful campaign last term. He registered 18 goals and nine assists in 30 Bundesliga appearances as Sebastian Hoeneß's side finished as runners-up behind Bayer Leverkusen.
"It's a great feeling and I'm looking forward to seeing the fans and the team," he said upon re-signing.
"I've always had a very good relationship with everyone. I wanted to talk to the coach to thank him for his patience over the last few weeks. Now I'm looking forward to the first training session with the team tomorrow."
Asked if he will feature in Stuttgart's final pre-season friendly against Athletic Bilbao, he added: "It would be nice if I got a few minutes because I can hardly wait to play in front of the VfB fans again."
So impressive was Undav last season that he made his debut for Germany and formed part of the country's squad at EURO 2024.
And with the prospect of UEFA Champions League football in the 2024/25 season, plus the departures of key figures such as Serhou Guirassy, Waldemar Anton and Hirko Ito, Stuttgart were all the more keen to retain the services of Undav.
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Stuttgart sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth said: “Deniz achieved extraordinary things in his first year in Stuttgart. He has not only enriched the quality of our attack, but has also developed into a national team player on the basis of his special skills.
"Deniz is someone who inspires and who is important for the social fabric of the group. In both sporting and non-sporting terms, this quickly made him a symbolic figure for us. The way he conducts himself and Deniz's declared desire to continue playing for VfB have clearly shown that this affection is mutual.
"After long and demanding negotiations, we have now created a contractual basis to be able to plan with Deniz in the long term. Economically, this transfer takes us into a new dimension, but we are also investing in quality that has already proven itself. We are happy that we can now announce the completion of this matter and look forward to our shared future with Deniz."
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