Barcelona identify Stuttgart wonderkid as top transfer target for next summer

Barcelona have reportedly earmarked VfB Stuttgart’s Finn Jeltsch as a key defensive target, with Hansi Flick keen to sign him next summer.

In recent months, VfB Stuttgart centre-back Finn Jeltsch has been linked with a host of top European clubs, including Real Madrid, Liverpool and FC Barcelona.

According to Sport, Barcelona are serious about signing the 20-year-old, with head coach Hansi Flick having personally identified him as a priority target for the summer transfer window.

The report claims that Flick is pushing for a move for Jeltsch, much like he reportedly played a key role in the signing of Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund last summer.

Jeltsch’s representatives are said to have already held initial talks with both Barcelona and Inter.

After an impressive start to the season, Jeltsch received his first senior Germany call-up during the most recent international break, although he didn’t make his debut.

According to Transfermarkt, Jeltsch’s market value stands at €35 million, but Stuttgart would likely demand a considerably higher fee to part ways with one of their most promising young players. A potential transfer fee of up to €60 million has been floated.

With Jeltsch under contract at Stuttgart until 2030, the Bundesliga club are in a strong negotiating position and have little immediate pressure to sell.