Stuttgart win race to sign Ingolstadt striker Deniz Zeitler | OneFootball

Kicker reports that Stuttgart have outpaced regional rivals Hoffenheim in the race to acquire young attacking prospect Deniz Zeitler. The 18-year-old scored eight goals and registered five assists for 3. Liga outfit FC Ingolstadt 04 last season. Kicker notes that Stuttgart aren’t preparing to introduce Zeitler to the Bundesliga right away. The young talent will continue to hone his skills with the VfB reserves in the German third division.

Stuttgart have done well to pick up developmental prospects this summer, most notably winning the race to bring promising youth international Noah Darvich back to Germany. Kicker reports that the Württemberger are also interested in 17-year-old Egyptian talent Belal Ateya of Al-Ahly. VfB II could inherit another youngster for a relatively modest price.

Zeitler should arrive in Swabia for around €1m whilst Ateya is expected to cost around €500,000. Stuttgart – who have thus far only made one big money signing this summer – are also expected to complete more substantial transactions for Greek attacker Giannis Konstantelias and Serbian winger Lazar Jovanovic in the coming days.

Attempts to acquire Casper Jander from FC Nürnberg are still proving problematic.

GGFN | Peter Weis