Stuttgart head coach Sebastian Hoeness has reaffirmed his commitment to keeping Nicklas Woltemade, despite strong interest from Bayern Munich. 

Hoeness emphasized that the 23-year-old striker will play a pivotal role in Stuttgart’s plans, starting with the upcoming DFL Supercup final against Bayern this weekend.

Woltemade’s standout performances last season at the MHP arena, where he scored 17 goals in 33 matches across all competitions, caught widespread attention. 

His form continued at the European under-21 championship, where he netted six goals in five games. 

Bayern, keen to secure the young talent, had two bids rejected by Stuttgart. Their latest offer, reportedly €50 million with an additional €5 million in bonuses, fell short of Stuttgart’s €65 million valuation. 

Bayern’s sporting director, Max Eberl, conceded that negotiations had collapsed, signaling the end of their pursuit.

Despite Woltemade’s desire to join Bayern, where he had already agreed personal terms, Stuttgart remain steadfast in their stance. 

Measures of control were taken, but none succeeded. Hoeness, speaking ahead of the weekend’s clash, expressed confidence in Woltemade’s importance to the team for the upcoming season.

The coach’s unwavering trust in the player underscores Stuttgart’s determination to build their squad around him, even as transfer speculation lingers.

The situation highlights the high stakes in the transfer market, with Stuttgart holding firm on their valuation to retain a key asset. 

As the DFL Supercup approaches, all eyes will be on Woltemade, whose performances could further solidify his value to Stuttgart or reignite interest from top clubs. 

For now, Hoeness’s focus remains on leveraging Woltemade’s talent to drive Stuttgart’s ambitions in the Bundesliga and beyond.

Akinnifesi Olumide