Real Madrid are reportedly monitoring one of the Bundesliga’s most exciting young defenders, with Spanish outlet AS claiming the club has set its sights on VfB Stuttgart centre-back Finn Jeltsch ahead of a potential move next year. The 20-year-old German isn’t short of admirers either — according to a separate report from Fichajes, Arsenal and Liverpool are also circling, meaning Los Blancos could find themselves in a fierce three-way battle for his signature.
Who Is Finn Jeltsch?
If you haven’t been tracking this kid yet, now’s the time to start. Jeltsch arrived at VfB Stuttgart from FC Nuremberg back in February 2025, and in the 19 months since, he’s gone from relative unknown to one of the most talked-about defensive prospects on the continent. He’s already racked up over 50 appearances for Stuttgart and has clocked more than 500 minutes across six outings this season alone — numbers that speak to just how important he’s become to the Bundesliga side. His market value has rocketed to €35 million according to Transfermarkt, and with nearly four years still remaining on his contract, Stuttgart will be in no rush to let him go cheaply. When a bidding war kicks off between clubs of this calibre, expect that asking price to climb significantly.
At 6’4″ (reportedly), the German defender combines physical presence with the kind of composure on the ball that modern elite sides demand from their backline. He’s already chipped in with two assists from defence — a small but telling detail about his ability to contribute in build-up play. At just 20 years old, the ceiling is enormous, and that’s exactly the profile Real Madrid have been prioritising in the transfer market in recent years.
Why Real Madrid Need This Deal
Under José Mourinho, Real Madrid currently have five centre-backs in the squad — so on paper, you might wonder why another one is needed. But the reality of the situation at the back is more precarious than those numbers suggest. Antonio Rüdiger is entering the final nine months of his contract and is firmly in the veteran stage of his career. Meanwhile, Éder Militão’s quality is undeniable, but injury concerns have followed him throughout much of his time in Madrid, making long-term reliance on him a risk. That leaves the club needing to plan smartly for what comes next.
With Ibrahima Konaté and Dean Huijsen already in the squad — both quality operators — the idea would be to build a new defensive spine around younger, long-term options. Jeltsch fits that mould perfectly. He’s the right age, the right profile, and the right nationality given Madrid’s historical connection to top German talent (just look at Rüdiger and Kroos). Locking in a defender of Jeltsch’s potential now, before he becomes a full-blown superstar, would be exactly the kind of smart, forward-thinking recruitment that Real Madrid’s scouting department has long been known for.
From a fan perspective, the timing matters too. Real Madrid supporters know better than most that defensive solidity is the foundation of any title-winning campaign. Any cracks at the back — whether through age, injury, or contract uncertainty — can derail even the most talented squads. Getting ahead of that problem rather than scrambling for a solution mid-crisis is the Madrid way.
What’s Next in the Jeltsch Chase?
Neither the AS nor the Fichajes report puts a specific price tag on the deal, and Stuttgart aren’t going to be handing him over on the cheap with four years left on his contract. The Bundesliga side will hold all the leverage if a genuine bidding war develops between Madrid, Arsenal, and Liverpool — three clubs with the financial muscle to drive the fee sky-high.
Arsenal’s interest is curious given how stacked their centre-back options already are, with William Saliba, Ezri Konsa, Ben White, and Jurrien Timber all competing for spots. Unless there are significant outgoings from the Emirates, it’s hard to see how Jeltsch fits into Mikel Arteta’s plans. Liverpool’s case is more straightforward — Virgil van Dijk is approaching the end of his career at the top level, and Jeltsch’s age profile makes him an ideal long-term successor and potential partner for Jeremy Jacquet.
For Real Madrid, the motivation is arguably clearest of all. This is a club that plans in cycles, always thinking one or two windows ahead. If Mourinho’s side move decisively and early, they could shut out the English clubs entirely. No fee has been confirmed, no formal bid reported — but the race is on, and Madrid are very much in it. Watch this space.
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