According to Kicker, the figure has been discussed internally at Stuttgart, with the club needing to bring in around €40 million through player sales over the next two transfer periods.
The requirement is not expected to change even though Stuttgart have qualified for the Champions League again. One factor is the increase in the club’s wage bill as the squad has improved in quality over recent seasons.
VfB Stuttgart also failed to sell several players they had identified as potential departures during the latest summer window. Bilal El Khannouss was among those who remained at the club despite expectations that his departure could generate income.
The reported financial target means Stuttgart may have to make difficult decisions over the next year, particularly if the club want to maintain their current level of investment in the squad.
The situation also puts greater importance on the development and market value of Stuttgart’s younger players. Finn Jeltsch, for example, has attracted attention from Barcelona and Inter after establishing himself as a first-team regular and earning a Germany call-up.
Stuttgart’s recent sporting progress has therefore come with increased financial demands. Champions League qualification provides additional revenue, but the club are still reportedly expected to produce significant transfer income.
The €40 million figure would not necessarily require one major sale. Stuttgart could reach the target through several departures, although the value of players available to sell will determine how easily the club can meet the requirement.
For now, the report points towards a potentially important period of squad management rather than an immediate need to sell. Stuttgart have made a strong start to the Bundesliga season, but their transfer strategy over the next two windows could be shaped by the need to balance sporting ambition with financial requirements.
The priority will now be to ensure that any sales do not weaken a team that has become increasingly competitive domestically and in Europe.