Bundesliga Star in the Spotlight: Is Bayern Planning Its Next Transfer Coup? | OneFootball

FC Bayern is apparently already working on long-term plans for its defense. According to recent reports, the record champion is taking a close look at one of the Bundesliga’s most promising defensive talents. However, the competition is fierce—and a transfer is unlikely to come cheap.

While FC Bayern prepares for the new season at training camp, planning for the future continues behind the scenes. The Munich club is keeping a close eye on the market, particularly in central defense.

As reported by the website FussballDaten, VfB defender Finn Jeltsch is among the players who have piqued the interest of the German record champions. According to the report, Bayern are closely monitoring the 20-year-old’s development and are said to have already discussed the terms of a potential transfer with his representatives.

Bayern faces stiff competition

However, the record champions are not alone in their interest.

Liverpool FC and Arsenal FC are also said to have the German U-21 national team player on their radar. Both Premier League clubs are looking to rejuvenate their defenses for the long term and apparently see Jeltsch as an ideal candidate.

For FC Bayern, the center back would also be an exciting long-term prospect. The club has been searching for some time for a long-term solution at center back and prefers players with potential for development who have Bundesliga experience.

Jeltsch fits this profile almost perfectly. Since his move from 1. FC Nürnberg to VfB Stuttgart in February 2025, the defender has developed rapidly and established himself as a key player for the Swabians. With consistently strong performances in the Bundesliga and on the international stage, he has recently drawn attention even beyond Germany’s borders.

Stuttgart wants to keep its key player

Photo: IMAGO

A transfer, however, is likely to be anything but easy.

According to FussballDaten, VfB Stuttgart is counting on Jeltsch and has no intention of letting the center back go. Club officials are reportedly only willing to enter into talks if a transfer fee of between 50 and 55 million euros is offered— even though the defender’s current market value is estimated at around 35 million euros.

The long-term contract gives the Stuttgart club additional leverage. Jeltsch is under contract in Stuttgart through the summer of 2030, meaning the Bundesliga club is under no pressure to sell.

From the player’s perspective, the focus is primarily on his athletic prospects. According to the report, regular playing time, a key role, and the opportunity to play in the Champions League on a permanent basis are considered decisive criteria for the next step in his career.

It remains to be seen whether FC Bayern will actually step up its efforts. At present, the interest appears to be in the early stages. Given the strong competition from England and VfB Stuttgart’s high asking price, a potential transfer is likely to be one of the most complicated deals of the upcoming transfer window anyway.

Should the record champions decide to make a concrete move, however, one thing would be clear: Bayern would have to dig deep into its pockets for one of Germany’s most promising defensive talents.