VfB Stuttgart has anchored Ramon Hendriks in defence, but the club’s transfer poker is stalling. The Dutch centre‑back made his league debut on 07 July 2026 and immediately showed presence, while the sporting department still searches for reinforcements.

How did Hendriks arrive at Stuttgart?

Hendriks moved in the summer of 2026 from a Dutch top‑flight side to the White‑Reds for an estimated €12 million fee. The deal was officially announced on 05 July 2026 and instantly added stability to a defence that had shown gaps last season. Coach Pellegrino put him straight into the starting XI because of his physicality and game reading, qualities Stuttgart had missed for months.

Why is the transfer poker stuck?

Despite Hendriks’ strong start, several factors delay further moves. First, the finance department tightened spending after an expensive summer, as the club currently sits 4th in the Bundesliga with 62 points after 34 games (18W‑8D‑8L). Second, there is a disagreement between sporting director Michael Baumann and Pellegrino on priorities: Baumann wants a quick wing‑player, while Pellegrino pushes for a central midfield upgrade. Third, the scouting unit has removed several targets due to injury concerns, further slowing the process.

What does this mean for the season?

Stuttgart has already scored 71 goals and conceded 49, giving a +22 goal difference. Yet they sit 27 points behind Bayern Munich, who lead the league. The last result – a 3‑0 loss to Bayern on 23 May 2026 – highlighted the gap between the leaders and the White‑Reds. The recent form curve DWDDL (last five games: 1W‑2D‑2L, two defeats in a row) shows the defence is not yet solid, even though Hendriks has already delivered a few clear actions.

Outlook: next steps?

The club plans to be active again on the transfer market in September, targeting a swift wing‑player who can boost the attack while staying defensively sound. At the same time, the coaching staff works on further integrating Hendriks and cementing his partnership with captain Waldemar Anton. If talks between the sporting director and coach reach an agreement soon, Stuttgart could close the gaps and keep pushing for a Champions‑League spot.