OFFICIAL: Stuttgart sign Red Star Belgrade attacker Lazar Jovanovic

The attacker joins Stuttgart from Red Star Belgrade in time for the start of pre-season, signing a contract until 2029.

Shortly before the start of public training on Wednesday, VfB Stuttgart signed another new signing. Lazar Jovanovic is moving from Serbian record champions Red Star Belgrade to the Cannstatt-based club. The 18-year-old attacker will join VfB at the start of pre-season, has signed a contract until June 30, 2029, and will wear the number 45 jersey.

Lazar Jovanovic , who successfully completed his medical at the Cannstatt-based club, says: "I'm really looking forward to my time at VfB. It will be the first time I've played for a club far from my hometown, which is something very special. I'm very happy to be able to take this step and, of course, I want to contribute to VfB as best as I can, continue to develop, and hopefully celebrate many victories with my teammates and the fans."

Fabian Wohlgemuth , VfB Sports Director, says: "We have been closely monitoring Lazar Jovanovic for a long time. As a very young player, he played numerous games in the Serbian first division last season and performed well. He also demonstrated his qualities in the Youth League. We believe Lazar is capable of making the step to VfB and the Bundesliga and warmly welcome him to Stuttgart."

Interview

Lazar Jovanovic is VfB's third new signing for the 2025/2026 season. An exciting time lies ahead, for which the Serb has prepared well.

During the photo shoot, he was immediately captivated by the ball. "Is this the Bundesliga match ball?" Lazar Jovanovic asks when he spots the ball – and is delighted by the cameraman's affirmative nod. He immediately grabs the colorfully patterned ball, juggles it, shows off a few tricks, and would love to take it home with him. It quickly becomes clear that the 18-year-old Serb simply enjoys kicking. Wanting to take the next step in his still-young career, he has left his hometown of Belgrade and is looking to develop further in a new environment. His first interview in Stuttgart, presented by "Team Partner"  EgeTrans :

Lazar, a warm welcome to VfB. You're wearing the new VfB jersey for the first time for the photo shoot. How do you like it?

Lazar Jovanovic: "I like the jersey – it's classic and stylish. I like the design and, of course, the colors white and red. I'm really looking forward to wearing it on the pitch for the first time."

What are your general thoughts about your upcoming time in Stuttgart?

Lazar Jovanovic: "I'm really looking forward to it. It's an exciting time for me. This will be the first time I'll be playing for a club away from home, which is something special. I'm very happy to be able to take this step and, of course, I want to contribute to VfB as best I can, continue to develop, and hopefully celebrate many victories with my teammates and the fans."

You mentioned it: At the age of 18, you left your home country and ventured abroad for the first time. Why is that a bit difficult for you?

Lazar Jovanovic: "Of course, this is something new for me, but I'm looking forward to the adventure. My father is coming with me to Germany for the first few weeks, which will make it easier for me to settle in. Additionally, I don't have a full driver's license yet, so my dad can drive me to training sessions. He's also an important advisor to me, as he was a professional footballer and national team player himself."

Do you already know some of the players at VfB?

Lazar Jovanovic: "I don't really know the guys personally yet, but I've been following VfB's games on TV and via stream. I paid a lot of attention to the attacking players, for example, and the way they operate in their positions. And: I bumped into Noah (Darvich, editor's note) by chance at the hotel , and I had a brief chat with him. I'm sure I'll get to know all the guys in the near future and settle in quickly."

Why did you choose VfB and the Bundesliga?

Lazar Jovanovic: "The Bundesliga is one of the five strongest leagues in the world. It's a dream to be able to play here and develop further. That's a huge motivation for me. VfB has been attracting a lot of attention recently; the club relies on young players. I was also impressed by VfB's performance in the Champions League: The team played with confidence and implemented their game plan – there were many strong matches, but in Belgrade things went in a completely different direction for VfB."

When you were 16, you made your professional debut in the Serbian first division. What memories do you have of that?

Lazar Jovanovic: "In the beginning, it was very tough, especially on a physical level. In the duels, I faced much older players who were much more robust. However, this helped me develop quickly: I learned that I always have to be one step ahead mentally and on my feet to avoid getting into these duels in the first place. Of course, it also helps to face these experienced and robust players to assert myself and improve physically."

Many VfB fans haven't seen you play yet. How would you describe your playing style?

Lazar Jovanovic: "I like to be active in attack, use my speed, and always find solutions – whether through dribbling, running, or passing. I try to set up my teammates or even score myself. My goal is to become as complete an attacking player as possible."