VfB Stuttgart is facing internal debates over its transfer strategy ahead of the Champions League campaign. The club has scored five goals in the first two Bundesliga matches, four of them by players who were linked with transfers this summer. Currently, VfB sits ninth in the table with three points from two games, having scored five and conceded six goals.
Bilal El Khannouss, who scored one of the five season goals for Stuttgart, was close to a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad. Another scorer, Ermedin Demirovic, was linked for weeks with a transfer to Galatasaray Istanbul. Josha Vagnoman, the right-back who has contributed two goals, completes the list. Vagnoman is known for his contradictory moments: he scores own goals, misses chances, but also nets outstanding goals, such as against FC Bayern or 1. FC Köln.
The discussion revolves around whether the current ambitious squad was the club's original plan. Or if VfB would have preferred to sell a player for a high fee to gain financially. These questions gain urgency as the Champions League poses a special challenge for squad depth. The team must prepare for three competitions, which will test the robustness of the roster.
Stuttgart begins the 2026/27 season with a record of one win and one loss. With three points, they are three points behind league leaders FC Augsburg. The next match is on September 12, 2026, an away game against 16th-placed 1899 Hoffenheim. The detailed schedule for the coming weeks can be viewed on our fixtures page. The current league table is available under standings.
The transfer debates indicate that VfB Stuttgart is at a strategic crossroads. The squad must be equipped not only for the Bundesliga but also for the demanding Champions League. The fact that several current key performers were on the transfer market this summer highlights the background dynamics. The decisions of those in charge will shape the path for the coming months. A detailed look at team statistics is available on our stats page. The next competitive match is the fixture at 1899 Hoffenheim on September 12.
