The contract negotiations between Deniz Undav and VfB Stuttgart have reached a critical juncture, with reports suggesting that the striker has presented the club with a firm ultimatum.

As per a report by *Bild*, Undav has demanded a definitive decision on his future by next Tuesday at the latest. The 29-year-old is scheduled to depart for the United States with the German national team (DFB) at that time. Following VfB Stuttgart’s defeat to FC Bayern Munich in the DFB Cup final, Undav had already made it clear that he would only remain open to talks until his departure with the national squad. “I’ll be leaving on Wednesday. Let’s see what happens before then,” he remarked.

If no resolution is achieved before his departure for the World Cup, discussions will reportedly be “temporarily suspended.” This would effectively halt any possibility of extending his contract beyond 2027 during the summer, putting Stuttgart at risk of losing the forward on a free transfer. From January 1 onwards, the German international would be free to negotiate with other clubs.

However, *Bild* further reports that Stuttgart’s management intends to present a renewed, improved proposal before the weekend. Undav had previously rejected an initial three-year deal—extendable to 2030—offered earlier in May.

The negotiations are being spearheaded by CEO Alexander Wehrle and sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth. The supervisory board has reportedly already approved the latest offer, which is expected to include a base annual salary of €5.5–6 million (up from €4.5 million) along with a €3 million signing bonus—marking a record-breaking offer for the club.

Undav is believed to prefer continuing his career at VfB Stuttgart and is expected to feature as an impact substitute during the World Cup.

The forward has reportedly informed Stuttgart’s leadership that he is open to committing to a long-term stay. Both he and his family are said to be comfortable with life in Stuttgart and within the club environment. Nonetheless, his exceptional season—scoring 25 goals and providing 14 assists—has attracted attention from financially stronger clubs abroad.

Within the national team setup, Undav is currently projected to play as a substitute under coach Julian Nagelsmann at the World Cup. Kai Havertz continues to occupy the starting centre-forward position, and in recent friendlies, Undav found himself behind Nick Woltemade in the pecking order, despite Woltemade’s struggles at Newcastle United and his comparatively modest scoring record.

Undav made a strong impression in Germany’s second friendly against Ghana and, despite Nagelsmann’s clear role assignments, publicly voiced his ambition to earn a starting spot afterward. The national coach subsequently made some controversial comments about the Stuttgart striker but later offered a personal apology. Undav has since confirmed that their professional relationship remains unaffected.