In a long-anticipated move, Deniz Undav has fulfilled his desire by completing a permanent switch to VfB Stuttgart from Brighton for a reported fee of around £30 million.
During his loan spell with the Bundesliga runners-up last season, the 28-year-old striker left a significant mark, netting 19 goals and providing 10 assists. Undav relished his time in the Bundesliga and made his strong desire known to secure the move, expressing discontent with Brighton for what he perceived as a lack of acknowledgment during his loan tenure. Although Stuttgart invoked the buy option stipulated in the initial loan agreement, negotiations encountered complexities, and at one point there were rumors that the deal nearly collapsed due to Brighton’s demands.
Expressing his elation at the transfer, Undav remarked in an interview with the Stuttgart website, “I had been vocal about my intentions throughout the latter part of the season, and I’m thrilled that it has finally materialized. I’m excited to connect with the fans and the team – everyone has been incredibly welcoming. I’m eager to have a conversation with the coach and express my gratitude for his patience in recent weeks. I look forward to participating in my first training session with the squad.”
The forward initially signed for Albion in January 2022 for £6 million from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, subsequently returning to the Belgian outfit for the latter half of the season, where he clinched the Jupiler Pro League top scorer accolade. Undav rejoined the Albion roster for the 2022/23 season, tallying eight goals in 30 appearances across all competitions.
Brighton’s technical director, David Weir, acknowledged Undav’s ambition to compete in the Champions League and prolong his stint with VfB Stuttgart. Although retaining Undav in their squad was desirable, the player’s desire for a permanent move took precedence. Weir expressed, “Once Deniz made his intentions clear, our primary focus was on ensuring that Stuttgart met the player’s valuation. With that now accomplished, we extend our gratitude to Deniz for his contributions to the club and wish him success in his future endeavors.”
