The former Germany defender believes the Bundesliga club risk putting themselves at a disadvantage in the transfer market if they refuse to consider a contractual option increasingly demanded by players and their representatives.
“That doesn’t work like that. Today, clubs like Stuttgart often have no chance of getting the players they want without release clauses,” Förster told Bild.
“If you take such a clear position against this option, agents will also consider whether they should bring their good players to Stuttgart in the future.”
The comments follow reports that Stuttgart’s senior management, including sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth, want to stop granting exit clauses in future player contracts. The policy would represent a change in approach for a club that has previously used such provisions to secure important signings.
One current example is defender Ramon Hendriks, 25, whose contract runs until 2028. According to Bild, negotiations over an extension have become difficult because the player’s representatives want a release clause below his current market value, alongside an improved salary.
Stuttgart are unwilling to accept that demand, preferring any agreed clause to be set significantly above the defender’s market valuation. The report said discussions have been suspended after the two sides failed to find common ground.
Förster, who worked as a player agent after his playing career, believes clubs must be prepared to negotiate but should not accept every demand.
“You don’t have to accept every demand as a club. Otherwise, players and their agents will do whatever they want with you,” he said.
“You must not let them walk all over you and have to make it clear: up to here and no further. The people responsible at Stuttgart have managed that well so far.”
The 68-year-old has experience of both sides of the argument. During his time as an agent, he negotiated contracts that included release clauses, including Timo Werner’s move from RB Leipzig to Chelsea in 2020.
His warning reflects the challenge facing VfB Stuttgart as they attempt to retain their best players while maintaining control over future transfer fees. A blanket refusal to include release clauses could strengthen the club’s negotiating position with existing players, but Förster believes it could also make recruitment more difficult.