Bundesliga
Stuttgart swoop for Real Madrid talent
Holding midfield prospect Chema Andrés is joining VfB Stuttgart on a transfer from Spanish giants Real Madrid, signing a five-year contract until 2030 with the current DFB Cup holders.
Chema, 20, developed in Real Madrid's youth ranks and made 13 appearances for their UEFA Youth League team before joining Real Madrid Castilla, the club's reserve team, for the 2024/25 season. He had 35 showings for them and made two La Liga appearances for Real's first team as a substitute against both Las Palmas and Real Sociedad last season.
Speaking to Stuttgart club media, the youngster said: "My first impressions are very positive – I'm happy to be here and looking forward to the first training session with my new teammates. The Bundesliga is a big league – I've always dreamed of moving to a special club in one of the top leagues and taking my next steps there.
"I want to do my part to ensure that VfB continues to play successfully and that we win many games together."
Chema, who stands 6'4'' tall, was an unused substitute throughout Real Madrid's campaign at the FIFA Club World Cup in the USA over the summer - including in their 3-2 win over Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals. He has made 11 combined appearances for Spain's U18 and U19 national teams.
Sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth said: "With Chema Andrés, we have signed a player who fits the requirements profile we defined for the defensive midfield position very well. Chema is already performing at a high level, he is well-versed in football and tactics, and as a young player, he still has great potential for development. We are delighted that Chema has chosen VfB and warmly welcome him to Stuttgart."
Chema's first appearance for his new club could come in the 2025/26 season's big curtain-raiser as Stuttgart host Bayern Munich in the inaugural Franz Beckenbauer Supercup at their MHP Arena on 16 August. Their Bundesliga campaign then begins on Saturday, 23 August away at Union Berlin.