Sven Mislintat has told the Stuttgarter Zeitung there is a ‘good chance’ Sasa Kalajdzic signs a new contract if Stuttgart do not sell the forward, amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur.
Kalajdzic has attracted a wealth of possible suitors with his performances at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in recent seasons. Teams from Germany, England, Italy and in the Netherlands admire what the 25-year-old could offer in their attacks. But no side has yet made an offer.
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Stuttgart are prepared to move should Kalajdzic stay or go, with sporting director Mislintat confirming Die Roten wish to sign a striker. The Baden-Wurttemberg state natives hope to bring in a rival for the Austrian, recovering from an ankle injury, in the final year of his deal.
Kalajdzic has developed swelling around his ankle, but should recover in time for the start of the Bundesliga season. He will likely be a key presence in manager Pellegrino Matarazzo’s plans without a transfer, having hit six goals over 15 games last term after a shoulder injury.
Tottenham among clubs interested in signing Kalajdzic from Stuttgart
Matarazzo was without Kalajdzic from August to January, but he returned to score against Eintracht Frankfurt, Borussia Monchengladbach and Bayern Munich, among his goals. The Wien native also provided two assists, after creating six and scoring 16 over 33 in 2020/21.
Returning and delivering saw Tottenham retain an interest in taking Kalajdzic off Stuttgart, per Bild. He will cost €25m (£21m), though, after Bayern Munich looked into a deal before signing Sadio Mane and Borussia Dortmund considered him before hiring Sebastien Haller.
Jose Mourinho has explored taking Kalajdzic to Roma, too, while Brighton & Hove Albion admire his skill. But Kalajdzic will only accept a transfer to Serie A as a last resort and does not consider the Amex Stadium to be a suitable destination for the next part of his career.
Old Trafford may be an option, though, as Sky Germany note Manchester United have held initial talks. Erik ten Hag is eager to strengthen the Red Devils’ frontline, and would offer a more attractive destination than interest from Brighton, Southampton and West Ham United.
Mislintat expects to agree new contract if Kalajdzic stays this summer
Yet despite the vast interest clubs like Tottenham and Manchester United have shown in Kalajdzic, no club has yet made Stuttgart an official offer. And if the forward does stay at the Mercedes-Benz Arena, Mislintat would expect him to agree a new, long-term contract.
“It is a very respectful handling of the situation from all sides,” Mislintat explained. “It is a togetherness, so that we can deal with it relatively relaxed. If we don’t sell him, there’s a relatively good chance of extending the contract.”
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