Stuttgart sign German starlet from Bayern

Krätzig will be reunited with Sebastian Hoeneß at Stuttgart, with the pair having worked together previously in Bayern's youth ranks.

After signing a loan deal with last year's Bundesliga runners-up, Krätzig - who has represented Germany's U20s eight times - is expected to provide stiff competition for his new full international teammate Maximilian Mittelstädt in Stuttgart.

Krätzig made his professional debut for Bayern in their 7-0 win over Bochum on Matchday 5 of the 2023/24 campaign and scored his first goal for the club just three days later, as Bayern beat Preußen Münster 4-0 in the DFB Cup.

He earned a total of four Bundesliga appearances, featured once in the UEFA Champions League and twice in the DFB Cup by the time Krätzig was loaned out to Austria Vienna in the winter transfer window.

Primarily a left-back, but also capable of playing in midfield, Krätzig immediately made an impression, playing in 17 of 18 games over the remainder of the Austrian Bundesliga season as Vienna qualified for next season's UEFA Conference League.

Stuttgart sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth says: "Frans is a really interesting player. As well as having convincing qualities as a footballer, he has the right mentality to be a regular Bundesliga player. He has gained valuable experience in professional football at Bayern and Austria Vienna. We are looking forward to see Frans play for us in future."

Krätzig says: "Stuttgart are offering me the opportunity to further develop and learn from my new team-mates amid a superb set-up while getting playing time. That's what I'm here for, and that's what I am excited about."

Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund says: “A lot happened for Frans last year, from his Bundesliga debut to his first professional contract with FC Bayern and then the second half of the season at Austria Vienna – and it all started with his spectacular winning goal on the Audi Summer Tour against Liverpool. He quickly integrated at Austria Vienna thanks to his footballing qualities and his character. VfB Stuttgart now offer him the best opportunities to take the next step and further establish himself in professional football.”

Krätzig will report for duty with his new team on 4 July before heading out to Japan for a pre-season tour from 25 July to 2 August.

He could make his senior debut for the club in the 2024 Supercup when VfB face reigning Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen on 17 August.