Finn Jeltsch is one of the most exciting German center backs of his generation—and has reportedly been on FC Bayern’s radar for quite some time. Now, the 20-year-old’s potential debut for the German national team could also trigger an additional payment from VfB Stuttgart.
As reported by BILD, a corresponding bonus clause was agreed upon when Jeltsch transferred from 1. FC Nürnberg to Stuttgart. Should the defender make his first appearance for the German senior national team during the current international break, an additional payment in the low six-figure range would be due.
Jeltsch transferred from Nuremberg to VfB in February 2025. To date, the Stuttgart club is said to have paid approximately 9.5 million euros for the defender, including payments already due.
Bayern is said to be keeping a close eye on Jeltsch
For FC Bayern, the young center back’s athletic development is of particular interest. Reports have been circulating for some time now that the Munich club has been closely monitoring Jeltsch.
There has even been speculation about initial feelers being sent to his representatives. However, no concrete negotiations regarding a move to Munich have been reported so far.
In any case, the competition would be fierce should a transfer battle ensue. Several Premier League clubs are also said to be tracking the progress of the German U-21 national team player. Among others, Arsenal and Liverpool have recently been linked to Jeltsch.
His first call-up to the senior national team is likely to further increase international interest. National team coach Jürgen Klopp has named the 20-year-old to his second squad. This means Jeltsch could make his debut against Serbia on October 1 or three days later against Greece.
“It’s a huge dream come true.”
Jeltsch himself is especially excited about the opportunity with the DFB. “It’s a huge dream come true. That it’s happening so early, at age 20, is a great honor. I want to prove myself; I want to give it my all. Then we’ll see,” he told SPORT1.
The defender can hardly believe the prospect of getting his first minutes on the field: “You don’t realize how incredible it really is. I’ve always watched it on TV, and now maybe I’ll get some playing time myself—that’s a wonderful feeling.”
Jeltsch also described his strengths with confidence: “Bold soccer, aggressive soccer, toughness in one-on-one situations, dribbling—that’s also a strength—and speed” are what he can bring to the national team.
For VfB, his DFB debut would thus be further confirmation of his strong development on the field—though it would also come with a small financial windfall. And FC Bayern is likely to be watching closely to see how Jeltsch performs on the next big stage.