VfB Stuttgart enter 2026/27 season with retained core and deepened squad
Manager Sebastian Hoeneß faces selection challenges after retaining key players and securing aggressive new signings for the Champions League qualifiers.
VfB Stuttgart are set to begin the 2026/27 Bundesliga season with a largely intact core squad, marking a significant shift from previous transfer windows where the club was forced to replace departing stars. Under the stewardship of manager Sebastian Hoeneß, the team has secured the retention of key striker Deniz Undav while simultaneously making aggressive signings to increase squad depth.
The club’s recent trajectory has been one of sustained improvement. Hoeneß took charge of a relegation candidate in 2023 and transformed the operation into a top-four finisher last season, securing a second consecutive Champions League qualification. This period of success also included a DFB-Pokal title, cementing the club’s status as a consistent upper-table force in German football.
While the retention of the squad’s spine provides stability, the summer transfer window has not been without its complications. The departure of goalkeeper Alexander Nübel has created a succession issue that the club must address before the new campaign begins. Additionally, the arrival of new players such as Pejcinovic and Sauer is set to alter the attacking hierarchies within the team.
The depth of the current squad presents a unique challenge for the coaching staff. With several high-quality options available, Hoeneß faces what has been described as a selection dilemma, requiring careful management of playing time among an expanded group of professional footballers. The integration of these new arrivals, alongside the pressure on existing roles, will be critical in maintaining the team’s competitive edge.
Uncertainty remains regarding late transfer interest in players Demirovic and El Khannouss, which could further complicate the squad structure. However, the overall foundation remains strong, with the club having successfully navigated the transition from a rebuilding project to a consistent European contender.
As the new season approaches, the focus will be on how Stuttgart balances its retained core with new additions to maintain the momentum that has defined the club’s recent years.
