Stuttgart have completed the signing of striker Deniz Undav from Brighton & Hove Albion on a permanent deal.
The 28-year-old Germany international enjoyed a prolific loan spell with Die Roten in the 2023-24 campaign, scoring 18 goals and registering 10 assists in 30 Bundesliga games.
Undav was a key first-team player for a Stuttgart outfit who surprised many last season as they claimed second place ahead of Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, securing Champions League football for 2024-25.
The striker repeatedly expressed his desire to re-join Die Roten permanently this summer after recently admitting that he "never really got any appreciation from Brighton".
Negotiations initially dragged between all parties as Stuttgart were reluctant to meet Brighton's asking price, but it has now be confirmed by both clubs that Undav will return to his native Germany on a permanent deal.
Stuttgart will allegedly pay a club-record fee for Undav, forking out an initial £26m which could rise in excess of £30m with add-ons.
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Undav determined to play Champions League football with Stuttgart
"Deniz wants to play Champions League football and continue his time with VfB Stuttgart, and while we would liked to have kept him as part of the squad, his preference was to make his move permanent," Brighton's technical director David Weir told the club's website.
"Once he'd made that clear, our priority was to ensure that Stuttgart met the valuation of the player.
"That's now been achieved and we would like to thank Deniz for his time at the club and wish him well for the future."
After putting pen to paper on a three-year contract with Stuttgart, Undav told the club's website: "My wish was always to stay with VfB. It's a great feeling now that the wait is over and I'm back here.
"I'm looking forward to the team, I'm looking forward to the club and I'm looking forward to the fans."
Da isser! 💪💪
— VfB Stuttgart (@VfB) August 9, 2024
Schön , dass du wieder da bist! ❤️ Oder um es in Daxos Worten zu sagen: „UNDAV!" 😂#VfB | 🔗👉 https://t.co/PR544Th6bb pic.twitter.com/E7bCCTN98X
Undav transfer "at another level in economic terms" for Stuttgart
Stuttgart member for sport Fabian Wohlgemuth added: "Deniz did an exceptional job in his first year in Stuttgart. He not only improved our attack but also developed into an international player thanks to his special abilities.
"Deniz is an inspiring guy who plays an important role in the social fabric of the group, which quickly made him a popular player here on and off the pitch. Deniz's attitude and desire to continue playing for VfB have shown that this affection is not one-sided.
"After long and demanding negotiations, we've come up with a contract that enables us to plan with Deniz for the long term.
"The transfer is at another level in economic terms for us, but we're investing in proven quality. We're happy to have finalised the deal and are looking forward to our future with Deniz."
Undav is set to become Stuttgart's first-choice centre-forward as last season's top scorer Serhou Guirassy has joined Borussia Dortmund after they activated his £15m release clause earlier this summer.
Brighton, meanwhile, already have three striker options at Fabian Hurzeler's disposal in Joao Pedro, Evan Ferguson and Danny Welbeck, while summer signings Yankuba Minteh and Ibrahim Osman are among a number of wide attackers in the Seagulls squad.
