VfB Stuttgart line up Guinean striker Sidiki Chérif as alternative to Dzenan Pejcinovic | OneFootball

VfB Stuttgart have identified Fenerbahçe striker Sidiki Chérif as a potential alternative to Wolfsburg forward Dzenan Pejcinovic. Kicker confirms an initial Sky Germany report claiming that the 19-year-old Guinean has entered Stuttgart’s thinking as negotiations for Pejcinovic continue to drag on. Chérif remains under contract with Fenerbahçe through 2030.

Stuttgart still prefer Pejčinović. The Germany U21 international has already reached a verbal agreement over a contract through 2031 and continues to favour a move to the Champions League participants. Working under Sebastian Hoeneß and returning closer to his native Munich reportedly appeal to the 21-year-old.

The two clubs nevertheless remain apart over the final structure of the deal. Stuttgart recently increased their proposal to just under €23.5m guaranteed, with bonuses capable of taking the package beyond €25m. Wolfsburg sporting director Dieter Hecking has maintained that the relegated club will not compromise on its valuation.

Ermedin Demirovic and Deniz Undav welcome another striker

Stuttgart’s pursuit of another striker forms part of a broader plan to enter the season with three established centre-forward options. Deniz Undav and Ermedin Demirovic remain in place, while Pejčinović has long been viewed as the preferred addition.

Demirović recently reaffirmed his commitment to Stuttgart after attracting interest from Leeds United, Juventus and Fenerbahçe. The Bosnia and Herzegovina international also publicly welcomed the prospect of Pejcinovic joining, stressing that VfB require as much quality as possible ahead of their Champions League return.

Undav found himself in full agreement with his colleague.

“I don’t care who comes,” Undav told reporters on the sidelines of Stuttgart’s training camp on Wednesday. “It’s only important that we get quality players. A couple of years ago when we were in the Champions’ League, we had quality players, but the depth [wasn’t there].”

“I think you need to go into that competition with three to four good strikers,” Undav continued. “Because a lot can happen. When one doesn’t perform, you have two or three others. I’m happy about every player that brings quality and makes our team better.”

“I’ve read that we’re not finished on the transfer market,” Undav concluded. “I’m happy about every player who can help us out immediately, players that we don’t have to develop. We all are happy to prove ourselves. That’s normal in football.”

GGFN | Peter Weis