FC Bayern are not just thinking about the here and now when planning their squad. While Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah currently form one of the most stable centre-back duos in Europe, plans for the future are already being made in the background. And one trail apparently leads to Stuttgart
As the portal SportsBoom reports, Munich are looking closely at Finn Jeltsch from VfB Stuttgart. The 19-year-old is regarded as one of the most exciting defensive talents in the Bundesliga – and is said to be on the radar of several top clubs. In addition to FC Bayern, Liverpool FC and FC Arsenal are also mentioned as interested parties
Perspective planning behind Tah and Upamecano
In sporting terms, the record champions are in an excellent position in central defense. Upamecano only recently extended his contract and Jonathan Tah is a permanent fixture, but the 30-year-old Tah in particular raises the question of what his long-term successor might look like
This is exactly where Jeltsch’s profile fits in. The U21 international is described by scouts as the „next Mats Hummels“ – not so much because of his style of play in the classic sense, but because of his strategic skills with the ball. His build-up play, his overview and his calmness under pressure are regarded as particular strengths
Rapid rise at VfB
Jeltsch moved from 1 FC Nuremberg to VfB Stuttgart in the winter of 2025 and made his breakthrough there almost seamlessly. He earned himself a regular place, won the DFB Cup with the Swabians and has already made 29 competitive appearances this season, including nine in the Europa League
His contract in Stuttgart runs until 2030 – without an exit clause, which puts VfB in a strong negotiating position. According to SportsBoom, a transfer fee in the region of his current market value of around 25 million euros would not be enough. Stuttgart are only said to be willing to talk for 30 to 35 million euros
Such a transfer would be a clear signal for FC Bayern: not as an immediate reinforcement, but as a strategic investment in the defense for the coming years
Although the situation is still under close observation, it is clear that the record champions have long had their eye on the next Bundesliga diamond in the rough.