VfB Stuttgart are eyeing Frankfurt’s Kristijan Jakic when looking to replace Wataru Endo. conversations are ongoing. The Croatian could also play in central defence.
Frankfurt’s Kristijan Jakic (above) is the focus of VfB Stuttgart. IMAGO/Sven Simon
The cash register is tight, time is short and the search for reinforcements for VfB is therefore extremely intensive. In their search for a successor to captain Endo, who moved to Liverpool a few days ago, the Swabians came across Frankfurt’s all-rounder. Jakic, who came to Frankfurt from Dinamo Zagreb in the summer of 2021 and has played 75 competitive games since then, should fill the important role in defensive midfield.
Jakic is under contract until 2026
The contract of the Croatian national player, who was also active for Eintracht in the Champions League and Europa League, runs until the end of June 2026. Jakic regularly comes to his assignments for the Hessen team, but has a problem that is making life difficult for him and in return every coach is delighted: The 26-year-old is versatile. A big plus and a clear shortcoming for the defensive specialist, who understands his footwork in every position against the ball.
There is nothing, apart from the goalkeeper, that Jakic could not and would not play defensively or has not already played: whether on the six, as a full-back in the back four, as a rail player, in central defense or centrally in the back three. There has always been and will always be a place for the Croatian at Eintracht. To his bad luck, however, mostly only coming from the bank. “Of course, he comes first and foremost through the mentality he brings with him and the fighting spirit. He’s an extremely important factor there,” explained Dino Toppmöller recently. The Eintracht coach knows about the downside of versatility. “Kristijan has the advantage for a coach that he is very polyvalent. For a player, however, it’s sometimes not that cool to be pushed from one position to another.”
The Stuttgarters should also want to take advantage of this. However, Jakic should primarily fill Endo’s vacant position and provide stability alongside Atakan Karazor on the double six. What would fill the first big gap in the Swabians. At the same time, you would know about the qualities of the national player in the defensive line. The transfer of Konstantinos Mavropanos is nearing completion. The Greek’s signature at West Ham United is expected today or tomorrow at the latest. Here, too, a successor is being sought. However, the financial worries of the traditional club do not allow for any major leaps. Loan deals are popular, which limits the possibilities.
Loan with purchase option?
A loan is also being considered for Jakic. A purchase option also envisaged for later is included. The talks between the club and the player are ongoing. However, not all points have been clarified yet. Jakic should not be averse to a change. Especially with the prospect and expectation of being committed to a very specific position and role: on the six. Normally.
2023-08-21 09:05:30
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