VfL Wolfsburg Transfer Review and Team Analysis

The following analysis of VfL Wolfsburg is part of a comprehensive series on Bundesliga transfers. Not unlike Hoffenheim, the club situated in Lower Saxony has navigated an administrative crisis and is progressively reestablishing itself. The appointment of former Bayern Munich scout and Eintracht Frankfurt sports official Pirmin Schwegler is seen as a notable achievement. Newly appointed head coach Daniel Bauer appears to have gained the backing of the players as well.

Current Challenges for VfL Wolfsburg

Unfortunately, the “Autostädter” still face several ongoing issues. As has been the case since the club’s European performance began to falter four years ago, the team remains unbalanced. Bauer’s efforts to create a straightforward and cohesive tactical framework (he is the first Wolfsburg manager since Oliver Glasner to field the same starting lineup in three successive matches) show some progress. However, the way Bauer’s 4-2-3-1 formation broke down against SC Freiburg exposed some fundamental tactical flaws.

Outlook for the Future

Interest in Wolfsburg often wanes among fans, which is unfortunate given the team’s intriguing trajectory as the new year approaches. Will they be drawn back into the relegation battle, or could they potentially vie for a Conference League playoff position? Predictions appear difficult, but it can be asserted that Bauer might not guide the team back to European football. Some promising signs exist, yet numerous uncertainties remain.

VfL Wolfsburg Performance Evaluation

Pre-Season Assessment

• Predicted Standings: 13th place
• Current Standing: 14th place, with 15 points

Wolfsburg’s goal difference indicates that both Simonis and Bauer’s squads have generally managed to remain competitive until the final moments of matches. During October, Simonis’ team suffered defeats to VfB Stuttgart in the league and Holstein Kiel in the cup, creating an impression that something positive might be developing within the squad. There was also an unearned victory against Hamburger SV amidst those losses, indicating a disconnect between performance and results.

Recent victories against Union Berlin and Borussia Mönchengladbach were well-deserved, highlighting an effective attacking synergy on both sides. Aaron Zehnter and Patrick Wimmer collaborated well on the left, while the newly signed Saël Kumbedi and the previously criticized Christian Eriksen excelled on the right. Eriksen’s resurgence has been a significant boost for the squad. Prior to his recent improvement, the Danish player was viewed as one of the season’s most disappointing signings, causing a sigh of relief from Danish director Peter Christiansen.

Transfer Analysis for VfL Wolfsburg

• Estimated Summer Transfer Balance: -€10.5m

While the last entry explored Bayer 04 Leverkusen’s financial stability due to its pharmaceutical parent company, the dynamics in Wolfsburg are markedly different. The financial constraints of the local automobile manufacturer, Volkswagen, have become evident. For instance, Christiansen struggled to meet the asking price for striker Josh Sargent, leading to several late transfer failures as other clubs overestimated Wolfsburg’s financial flexibility. Consequently, players like Kumbedi, Jenson Seelt, Jesper Lindstrøm, and Adam Daghim were mostly secured on loan, with additional fees incurred in three of those cases.

Despite some of these players gaining traction, including Eriksen and Kumbedi, who both had slow starts, Christiansen’s summer transfer dealings remain problematic. Two other Danes have failed to make an impact: Adam Daghim saw his promising beginning diminish before an injury, while Jesper Lindstrøm has been sidelined with significant health issues. The signing of players with questionable injury histories has proven troublesome.

Dead Weight and Contract Updates for VfL Wolfsburg

Navigating player transfers is not expected to be overly challenging, with potential takers for Moritz Jenz and developmental options for young defender Mathys Angely. Finding a solution for Rogerio’s situation could also represent a small victory, even if interest in the injured Brazilian is minimal. Unfortunately, young American winger Kevin Paredes is facing a similar fate, as another injury casts doubts on his career.

Dead-weight Players:

• Rogerio (LB)
• Mathys Angely (CB)
• Moritz Jenz (CB)

Yannick Gerhardt’s revival could warrant a contract extension for the 31-year-old veteran. Despite initial plans for Gerhardt and fellow midfielder Maximilian Arnold to operate together effectively, this leaves no room for Souza, calling into question the feasibility of retaining the former Sheffield player. The possibility of selling Jonas Wind also remains a pressing topic for Bundesliga reporters, who continue to report on his underwhelming performance.

Expiring Contracts:

• Pavao Pervan (GK)
• Kevin Paredes (LM)
• Yannick Gerhardt (CM)
• Jonas Wind (CF)

Future Needs and Speculated Transfers for VfL Wolfsburg

There has been a lack of credible rumors surrounding the club, especially with the unlikelihood of acquiring Niclas Füllkrug. Current speculations linking Scottish midfielder Josh Mulligan to Wolfsburg seem credible. However, adding yet another midfielder may not address the team’s pressing needs, and the management might be better off maintaining the current roster balance.

Immediate Needs:

• LB
• CB
• RB
• RM
• ATTM
• RW
• CF

Rumored Transfers:

• Josh Mulligan (RM)
• Alessandro Vogt (CF)
• Younes Ebnoutalib (CF)
• Mathys Detourbet (CF)