Stuttgart FC are in a powerful position as Liverpool, Arsenal and Bayern Munich are reported to be vying for Finn Jeltsch, a defender now being discussed at around £47m. With the 20-year-old under contract until 2030, VfB Stuttgart do not need to move quickly, and that gives them real control over any talks.
The transfer link comes from a report in Fussball Daten, which was cited by Anfield Watch. It is a reminder of how highly Jeltsch is already rated after joining VfB Stuttgart in February 2025 and winning the German cup in his first season there. For clubs such as Liverpool, Arsenal and Bayern Munich, the appeal is obvious. For Stuttgart, the challenge is to decide whether this is a player to build around or a player whose value has now reached the level where interest is impossible to ignore.
Why the valuation matters
The reported range of £43m to £47m places Jeltsch firmly in the premium bracket for a centre-back of his age. That matters because clubs do not usually enter that territory unless they believe the player can be a long-term starter at the very highest level. For Stuttgart, it also means the market has effectively recognised what they have on their hands.
A 20-year-old defender with a contract running to 2030 is exactly the sort of asset that can push a club into a strong financial decision. Stuttgart are not under pressure to sell, and that is the biggest factor in any negotiation. If the price rises toward the top end of the reported valuation, the Bundesliga side can point to both the length of the deal and the level of competition for his signature.
Why Liverpool, Arsenal and Bayern are watching closely
For Liverpool, the timing is especially relevant. They were already short at centre-back before Joe Gomez went down against Sunderland in a preseason friendly over the weekend. Giovanni Leoni also tore his ACL last year, which only adds to the sense that Liverpool need to keep strengthening in that area.
Arsenal and Bayern Munich are also reported to be in the mix, and that gives the chase a broader significance. This is not simply one club making an opportunistic move. It is three major teams looking at the same profile and seeing a defender who could fit a high-level back line for years.
That is why Jeltsch’s rise has become such a notable story. He is still young, but he has already shown enough for elite clubs to be linked with him. If Stuttgart decide to resist this summer, they can do so from a position of strength. If they sell, it is likely to be on their terms and for a fee that reflects just how fast his value has climbed.
