Football Presse

Five clubs circle Valladolid creator Chuki as Stuttgart hold edge on Werder Bremen

·By Paul Lindisfarne
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VfB Stuttgart are considered frontrunners in the pursuit of Real Valladolid playmaker Iván San José Cantalejo, known as Chuki, with the 22-year-old set to leave the club for nothing this summer as his contract expires in June.

Chuki has contributed 15 goals and assists across 34 Segunda División appearances this season — seven goals and eight assists — making him one of the most productive creative midfielders in the Spanish second tier despite playing for a side fighting to avoid relegation.

VfB Stuttgart tracked him through the winter window and have maintained contact with his representatives since, giving them a head start over rivals who have entered the race more recently.

According to journalist Matteo Moretto, Werder Bremen have also made enquiries in recent weeks — a development that adds domestic Bundesliga competition to what was already a crowded international field. Juventus and Como 1907 from Serie A have been linked for months, while RB Leipzig have also had him watched. Stuttgart's advantage lies in the length and depth of their engagement, and in the player's own stated preference to move abroad rather than remain in Spain.

Chuki is a left-footed attacking midfielder or second striker who grew up in Valladolid and came through the club's own academy. He joined the senior squad in 2024 and has produced his breakthrough season just as his contractual situation has become a free-agent opportunity for Europe's clubs.

His technical profile — intelligent movement, quick decision-making and the ability to operate in tight spaces — has been compared to players further up the pyramid.

Werder face a realistic challenge in competing with Stuttgart's project. The Swabians are pushing for Champions League qualification and have a squad at a higher competitive level. Bremen are mid-table and focused primarily on survival after a difficult campaign.

A guaranteed starting role at Werder may hold some appeal for a player looking to establish himself at the top level, but the step up to Champions League or European football with Stuttgart represents a significantly stronger platform.

With Valladolid's own Segunda División season concluding in the coming weeks, the decision from Chuki's camp is expected to come shortly after.