VfB Stuttgart increase offer for Wolfsburg striker Dzenan Pejcinovic to €25m | OneFootball

The local Wolfsburger Allgemeine Zeitung reports that – with Porto attempting to hijack one of their priority transfer targets – VfB Stuttgart have upped their bid for Germany U21 striker Dzenan Pejcinovic a third time. The Swabians continue to be proactive in their pre-season push to sign attacking reinforcements.

Stuttgart, anticipating losing offensive players such as Jamie Leweling and Bilal El Khannouss to larger clubs, want attackers in place ahead of their coming participation in the 2026/27 Champions League campaign. The Bundesliga UCL representatives recently signed Leo Sauer from Feyenoord as a guard against such potential losses.

The WAZ reports that Stuttgart are now offering just under €23.5 million as a guaranteed transfer fee. The two clubs remain in discussions over performance-related bonuses that could take the total package beyond €25 million.

Stuttgart are therefore only around €1.5 million short of Wolfsburg’s reported valuation. VfL sporting director Dieter Hecking recently insisted there was no room for negotiation regarding the club’s asking price.

The Swabians had previously increased their offer for Pejčinović to approximately €22 million, but Wolfsburg remained determined to secure a larger package.

Should the latest proposal be accepted, Pejcinovic would become one of the most expensive signings in Stuttgart history. Only German international Deniz Undav, who joined permanently from Brighton for approximately €26.7 million, would have cost more.

Pejcinovic continues to favor Stuttgart

FC Porto remain involved in the race and reportedly submitted an offer worth approximately €23 million. Wolfsburg rejected that proposal, though the Portuguese champions are expected to return with another bid.

Pejcinovic nevertheless continues to favour Stuttgart. The 21-year-old has already reached a verbal agreement over a contract through 2031 and reportedly believes working under Sebastian Hoeneß represents the best next step in his development.

The Munich native is also attracted by the opportunity to move closer to home. Both Stuttgart and Porto can offer Champions League football, but the player’s preference gives VfB a significant advantage.

Wolfsburg are not under pressure to accept a reduced fee. The departures of Lovro Majer and Andreas Skov Olsen have strengthened the club’s financial position, while Konstantinos Koulierakis could also leave amid interest from AS Roma.

Pejcinovic scored 12 goals in 34 appearances last season. Several solid tours of duty with the Germany U21s last year also leave him capable of breaking through for country at senior level. 

The transfer now primarily depends on Stuttgart and Wolfsburg agreeing the final bonus structure. With VfB’s guaranteed offer approaching Wolfsburg’s valuation, talks appear to have entered the final stretch.

GGFN | Peter Weis