VfB Stuttgart have moved decisively to strengthen their attack, completing the signing of 21-year-old striker Dzenan Pejcinovic from relegated VfL Wolfsburg for €25 million. The fee makes him the second most expensive player in the club's history, behind only Deniz Undav. The deal, confirmed on August 10, gives Sebastian Hoeneß a third senior striker option as Stuttgart prepare for a season spanning the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Champions League.

The transfer brings an end to weeks of tension. Hoeneß had grown visibly frustrated during pre-season, publicly pressing the club's leadership to add proven quality rather than lose ground before a ball was kicked competitively. His message was direct: Stuttgart needed to add substance, not shed it. The arrival of Pejcinovic, who scored 12 goals across all competitions for Wolfsburg last season despite the club's relegation, answers at least part of that demand. The 21-year-old turned down interest from Porto and RB Leipzig to join Stuttgart, signing a contract through 2031.

Beyond the transfer, there is broader optimism around the squad. Defender Max Jeltsch has publicly committed his focus to Stuttgart despite reported interest from Bayern Munich, while Sport Bild claims new Germany coach Jürgen Klopp has already contacted the club to flag Pejcinovic as a player on his radar for Euro 2028. Stuttgart face Fulham in a friendly on August 15, having beaten Everton 3-1 in their previous pre-season outing, before the competitive season begins with the Bundesliga campaign.