German international Josha Vagnoman could be set for a surprise departure from VfB Stuttgart before the transfer deadline. Newly-promoted Premier League side Hull City are working on a deal for the 25-year-old full-back.
Sky states that Hull have increased their offer to a transfer fee of €6.5 million. A key element of the negotiations is a sell-on clause for Stuttgart, who would retain 50 percent of the player's future transfer rights. However, a final agreement between the clubs or with the player himself is reportedly not yet in place. The English transfer window closes on Tuesday evening. Vagnoman's current contract with VfB Stuttgart runs until the summer of 2028.
Vagnoman was initially considered a potential sale candidate this summer. That assessment has reportedly changed, according to information from German newspaper Bild. Following the injury-related absence of Nikolas Nartey, Stuttgart now apparently want to keep the versatile defender at all costs. Vagnoman started both competitive matches of the young season. On the opening Bundesliga matchday against Bayern Munich (1-5), he scored both the equaliser to make it 1-1 and an own goal for 1-3 within five minutes. His current market valuation is listed at €8 million in the latest squad data.
He made his debut for Germany in March 2023 under Hansi Flick in a friendly against Belgium. After a three-year absence, Julian Nagelsmann surprisingly called him up for the international matches in March of this year. He came on as a substitute in the 2-1 win against Ghana. He missed out on the squad for the upcoming World Cup. The 25-year-old hopes for further opportunities under new national team coach Jürgen Klopp. For VfB Stuttgart, Vagnoman has made 126 total appearances since his move from HSV in 2022, contributing ten goals and 14 assists.
At Hull City, who have started their Premier League season with two wins, Vagnoman would primarily compete with captain Lewie Coyle on the right flank. The national team player would be offered a four-year contract until 2030 if the deal is completed. For VfB Stuttgart, a sale would be a financial transaction that could create room for other projects. The team under coach Sebastian Hoeneß is preparing for their next Bundesliga fixture. The exact dates for the coming weeks can be found in our fixtures schedule.
The VfB defence is currently facing challenges. In addition to Nartey's long-term injury, other players are not fully fit, as shown by the current injuries report. Vagnoman's potential departure on deadline day would further complicate this situation. His next possible appearance for Stuttgart would be the Bundesliga away match on 14 September.
