Galatasaray Istanbul has reportedly improved its offer for Ermedin Demirović to 18 million euros, adding a new layer to the transfer discussion around one of the Bundesliga's more productive strikers.
The latest report puts fresh pressure on the gap between what Galatasaray is willing to pay and what VfB Stuttgart is said to want for the 28-year-old Bosnian forward. Demirović remains under contract at Stuttgart until 2028, but the valuation battle now appears to be the central issue in the deal.
Demirović had said he wanted to stay
At the beginning of August, Demirović said leaving was not on his mind and that he wanted to remain at VfB. He also said he had followed the rumors while on vacation, but added that nothing had changed in his head and that he got along very well with the coach.
That makes the current transfer report notable, because it suggests the market may be moving faster than Demirović's public stance earlier in the month.
A productive season raises the price
Last season, Demirović produced 15 goals and five assists in 38 competitive matches, a return that underlines why he is being valued so highly. The source describes him as one of the best strikers in the Bundesliga, and that kind of production helps explain why Stuttgart is likely to demand a significant fee.
Two years ago, Stuttgart signed Demirović from FC Augsburg for 23 million euros. That fee already placed him among the more expensive forward moves in the club's recent history, and the current report now suggests Stuttgart could be looking for even more than 20 million euros to consider a sale.
For Galatasaray, an 18 million euro bid may be a step forward, but it still leaves the question of whether the clubs can close the remaining distance. For Stuttgart, the next move will likely depend on whether the offer climbs again or whether the club decides its asking price is not being met.
In other words, the transfer is not done yet, but the conversation around Demirović has clearly entered a more serious phase.
