In-demand Hoeness extends deal as Stuttgart coach

DORTMUND, Germany: In-demand Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeness extended his deal with the club by one season to 2028 on Saturday.

Reportedly courted by RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund and sized up by Bayer Leverkusen as a possible replacement for Xabi Alonso should he leave the club, Hoeness had also reportedly attracted interest from abroad.

Saturday´s announcement however means the 42-year-old is set to stay at the club he dragged from relegation candidates to Champions League participants in the space of a season.

“I am pleased about the extension because I am convinced we can still achieve a lot together,” Hoeness said in a statement.

“We want and must continue to give our all at all levels within the club to achieve lasting success.”

Hoeness´ previous contract reportedly included an eight-million-euro ($10 million) release clause, which German media said was removed in the new deal.

The deal represents a major coup for five-time German champions Stuttgart, an historical giant who have been relegated twice since winning the Bundesliga in 2005-06.

When Hoeness, the nephew of Bayern Munich power broker Uli, arrived at Stuttgart in April 2023 the club was last on the table.

Hoeness took Stuttgart through a two-legged relegation playoff with Hamburg to keep them in the top division.

The following season, Hoeness oversaw an incredible rise to second spot, ahead of Bayern Munich, with Stuttgart finishing with 40 more points than in the previous season.

Despite falling to 10th in the league this season as Hoeness rebuilds a squad hit hard by off-season departures, Stuttgart are through to the final four of the German Cup.