Hertha's Mittelstädt switches to Stuttgart
Two days after themselves avoiding relegation from the top flight, VfB Stuttgart announced on Wednesday evening that they had picked up fullback/winger Maximilian Mittelstädt of relegated side Hertha BSC.
The VfB Stuttgart administrative team announced that they had swung a surprise transfer on Wednesday evening. Hertha BSC's Maximilian Mittelstädt - often linked with SV Werder Bremen - will represent the Swabians in the coming 2023/24 top flight campaign. Mittelstädt only recently extended his contract with the capital city side this past winter, but did have a relegation exit clause inserted into his working papers.
Germany's "Sport Bild" tabloid contradicts a report appearing some weeks back in Kicker Magazine that Mittelstädt's release clause amounted to a mere €800,000. According to the tabloid, the BaWü club shelled out over €2 million for the 26-year-old. Mittelstädt's new contract with the Würrtembergers runs through 2026.
"Maximilian Mittelstädt already has Bundesliga experience and is therefore,a very good addition to our squad," VfB sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth noted in a statement accompanying the signing, "We are delighted that he has decided to join VfB despite other transfer options and warmly welcome Maxi to Stuttgart."
"I am delighted that the move to VfB has worked out," the player himself added, "VfB is a great club with a lot of tradition. I want to do my part to help us achieve our sporting goals, and I'm already looking forward to meeting my new teammates at the start of training."
"I'd like to thank all the teammates, coaches and staff at Hertha BSC who have accompanied me on my way from youth player to professional," the Berlin native and Hertha academy man added, "I wish Hertha BSC a positive future in every respect."