VfB Stuttgart Blocks €3.5m Move for Mirza Catovic Amid Buyback Clause Dispute

Kicker reports that VfB Stuttgart has vetoed a €3.5 million transfer of 18-year-old midfield prospect Mirza Catovic to Hoffenheim. The talented young player, who regularly features for the VfB reserves in the 3. Liga, was poised to make the move to TSG II. However, Stuttgart rejected the transfer due to concerns regarding the lack of a buyback option in the sale agreement.

Catovic made his breakthrough into the VfB reserve squad in late 2024, which led to him signing a professional contract in February 2025. He has since started in various midfield roles for VfB II, also showcasing versatility by playing in central defense. His 16 starts in the 3. Liga this season have increased his market value from €800,000 to €1.5 million.

With Stuttgart’s current depth in midfield, Catovic faces limited immediate playing opportunities in Württemberg. Nonetheless, the club is keen to maintain the potential to reclaim his services in the future. Hoffenheim’s refusal to include a buyback clause prompted Stuttgart to terminate the transfer.

The situation surrounding Catovic is still unresolved, as RB Salzburg has also expressed interest in acquiring the young player. Should the Austrian club agree to Stuttgart’s request for a buyback clause, there remains a possibility for a transfer to occur. The German transfer window is open until Monday, February 2nd at 20:00 CET.

Additionally, Bundesliga clubs are permitted to sell or loan players to foreign teams in countries where the transfer window remains open beyond that date. In Austria, the transfer window will not close until Friday, February 6th, allowing ample time for Stuttgart and Salzburg to negotiate a potential deal.