VfB Stuttgart has completed a financially successful transfer deal with the sale of Lazar Jovanovic to Udinese Calcio. The 20-year-old moves to Italy for a fee reported to be around seven million euros, including potential bonuses.
Jovanovic arrived in Stuttgart exactly one year ago for 4.5 million euros from Serbian club Red Star Belgrade. His contract with VfB was valid until 2029. However, last season the attacking player made only six brief appearances – three in the Bundesliga and three in the Europa League. In total, he played just 124 minutes, starting only twice and never completing a full match.
Why the move makes sense for both sides
For Stuttgart, the transfer represents clear financial gain. Within one year, the player's market value increased by 2.5 million euros. The club realizes a quick capital appreciation on an asset who did not play a major role in the current squad. Jovanovic himself gets the chance for more playing time at Udinese. He signed a contract with his new club until 2031. "His time in Stuttgart is over after just one year," Jovanovic commented on the move. He stressed: "I swear to you, I always gave everything."
The transaction takes place against the backdrop of a difficult season start for VfB. After the first matchday, Stuttgart sits in 18th place in the Bundesliga table with 0 points. The record from one game is 0 wins, 0 draws, and 1 loss with a goal difference of 1:5. This leaves the club already three points behind leaders Bayern Munich. The injury list is currently long and includes Dennis Seimen, Leo Sauer, Lorenz Assignon, Luca Jaquez, and Chris Führich. An overview of all absentees is available on our injuries page.
Jovanovic's departure creates space in the squad and brings in fresh capital. The funds can be used for other reinforcements or contract extensions for key players. The next challenge awaits on September 4th. Then, VfB Stuttgart hosts 1. FC Köln, currently in 6th place, at the Mercedes-Benz Arena. The full schedule for the coming weeks can be found on our fixtures page. To get back on track, the defense needs to be stabilized after conceding five goals in the opening match.
The sale of Lazar Jovanovic demonstrates that VfB can act shrewdly in the transfer market even with players who saw limited action. His new contract with Udinese Calcio is valid until June 30, 2031.
