VfB Stuttgart has agreed to sell winger Lazar Jovanovic to Italian Serie A club Udinese Calcio after just one year, securing a multi-million-euro profit on the 19-year-old Serbian youth international, according to club confirmations and widespread media reports.
A Quick Departure After Limited Minutes
Lazar Jovanovic leaves VfB Stuttgart following a brief stint that included only six competitive appearances across all competitions. According to club records, the 19-year-old winger logged just 124 minutes on the pitch for the Bundesliga side, featuring in three league matches and three Europa League fixtures. Stuttgart originally signed the attacker in the summer of 2025 from Red Star Belgrade for a reported fee of around five million euros.
Financial Terms and Guaranteed Profit
Despite his limited impact on the pitch for the senior team, the quick turnaround proved lucrative for the Swabian club’s balance sheet. According to matching media reports, Udinese Calcio is paying a fixed transfer fee of 6,5 million euros, with potential add-on payments that could push the total value higher. Even before bonuses, the guaranteed base fee gives Stuttgart an immediate profit compared to their initial investment a year ago, with total potential gains reaching up to three million euros if all performance milestones are met.
Squad Competition and the Path to Playing Time
Speaking about the departure, VfB Stuttgart’s sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth acknowledged that Jovanovic displayed his technical qualities during pre-season training sessions and friendly matches. However, Wohlgemuth noted that the intense competition for places within the current VfB squad limited regular opportunities for the teenager. The transfer to Udine offers the Serbian U21 international a clearer pathway to consistent first-team minutes in Italy’s top flight.
Next Steps for Both Clubs
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