VfB Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeneß has insisted that he didn’t have to work to convince Jamie Leweling to ignore Everton’s interest this summer.
ZVW report comments from the Stuttgart manager today following the end of the transfer window. He was asked about various transfer news and developments during his press conference.
One out but many kept
The German club had a disappointing end to the window as they lost midfielder Chema Andrés to Brighton.
But there was some positivity as other potentially more painful departures – such as Jamie Leweling and Bilal El Khannouss – did not materialise. According to reports in Germany, that’s because the players didn’t want to leave.
Both players had found themselves linked with moves to the Premier League throughout the summer. Everton were credited with an interest in both, particularly Leweling at the end of the end of the window.
That came as the club’s leadership – led by Alexander Wehrle and Fabian Wohlgemuth – tried to find buyers for the club’s prized assets.
There was also interest in Leweling from Everton’s sister club Roma, who agreed a deal late in the window. The 25-year-old turned down the move, though.
No manager convincing
And his manager says he didn’t have to convince him to do so or ignore interest from Everton and other clubs either.
“No, I didn’t have to. VfB is a very attractive destination and an incredibly exciting club,” he said.
“The lads are thinking about their careers and their next steps, and that is likely exactly why they chose VfB Stuttgart.
“It was simply a turbulent time, we need calm and focus now, and we have to make sure we look ahead. (It’s) not been easy for us and the team.
“I am very satisfied with the players we’ve brought in. We have a wide range of options in attack and strong competition for places.”
Sportwitness
Football transfer news from the across the world.