Seven VfL Wolfsburg professionals are facing an uncertain future as their contracts approach expiration. This highlights the squad planning challenges for the club following relegation to the 2. Bundesliga. Currently sitting fourth in the table with eight points from four games, the club must balance sporting development with long-term squad building.
The exact list of the seven players was not disclosed, but the situation affects a significant part of the squad. One of these professionals is already in discussions regarding a potential contract extension. The other six face unclear prospects. This uncertainty comes at a time when VfL is already dealing with the departure of Moritz Jenz to Young Boys Bern and the absence of four starting eleven players at the beginning of the season.
Sporting director Andreas Pahlmann stressed the importance of early planning. "The VfL relegation showed that it is never too early for good squad planning," Pahlmann said. The club has earned around 70 million euros from the sale of over 20 players in the past, creating financial flexibility. These resources could be used for renewals or new signings to strengthen a defense considered an Achilles' heel after the 4-4 draw against Energie Cottbus. Manager Dieter Hecking did not rule out further adjustments to the back line.
Despite the personnel questions, VfL Wolfsburg is showing solid form in the 2. Bundesliga. After four matchdays, the team is in fourth place with two wins and two draws, having already scored ten goals. The goal difference of plus four is a positive sign, even though they trail leaders Hertha BSC by four points. The high-scoring 4-4 draw against Cottbus at the VW-Arena, where two points were dropped, highlighted areas for improvement, especially defensively. For striker Robert Glatzel, however, it was a nearly perfect weekend with the joy of fatherhood and a brace.
The immediate priority is the next league fixture. On September 12, 2026, VfL Wolfsburg travels to face FC St. Pauli, who are currently in 15th place. This match will be an important test for the team's stability. In parallel, internal discussions regarding the contract situations of the seven professionals continue. Fans can view the current squad and upcoming fixtures on our site. The detailed standings show how tight the race for promotion places already is.
The focus for VfL Wolfsburg remains split: the immediate task away at St. Pauli and the strategic planning for the future of the squad.
