Stuttgart to sign American center back?
VfB Stuttgart are - according to Belgian footballing journalist Sacha Tavolieri - interested in signing 13-times-capped U.S. international Mark McKenzie. Tavolieri claims that the 2023/24 Bundesliga runners-up are in "advanced talks" with Belgian Pro League side K.R.C. Genk over an outright purchase. The transfer fee is rumored to be in the €5 million range.
The Bronx-native has excelled in Europe since leaving Philadelphia Union in the summer of 2021 for a fee rumored to be in the same range. He's made a total of 117 appearances across all competitions for the "De Smurfen", netting four goals and registering six assists. At present, McKenzie is valued at €6 million in the latest transfermarkt update.
The 25-year-old has also been loosely linked with Bremen and Gladbach this offseason, but it appears that Stuttgart are the most active Bundesliga side currently attempting to swing a deal. The Swabians are in need of additional help in central defense following the summer departure of captain and defensive anchor Waldemar Anton.