It has been a busy few days for Jeremy Arévalo. On 2 January, his transfer was officially announced, a day later he had his first training session, and then his first appearance two days later in the friendly against Lucerne. The new signing from Spanish second-tier club Racing Santander is feeling more and more settled in Stuttgart, and in an interview in the box of Team Partner EgeTrans, he got to know the MHP Arena.
Hello Jeremy, we’re sitting in the main stand of the MHP Arena. What’s your first impression of the ground?
Jeremy: “It’s a spectacular stadium. I’d already seen some photos before and can’t wait to experience the MHP Arena with fans for the first time. That’s going to be a great experience.”
How much were you following the Cannstatt boys’ matches in recent weeks, as the contact with VfB increased?
Jeremy: “I actually followed all the matches in December 2025, insofar as they didn’t clash with Racing Santander’s fixtures. I watched the last game before Christmas, the 0-0 against Hoffenheim on a live stream on my phone while travelling. That was two really good teams, with VfB closer to getting the win. For me, the Bundesliga is one of the top leagues in the world.”
When VfB announced your transfer, Chema promptly commented on Instagram with “Bienvenido” and “Hermano” – what ‘brotherly’ relationship is there between you and the Spanish midfielder?
Jeremy: “I also read that and was really pleased about it. Chema and I know each other from the Spanish under-18 team, which I represented before I switched to Ecuador. When the transfer to Stuttgart became more concrete, I got in touch with Chema and asked for his thoughts. He spoke very positively about the club and the team.”
VfB new signing Jeremy Arévalo::
I’m surrounded by very good pros who I can learn and take a lot from.
You’ve had a few training sessions with Sebastian Hoeneß’s team now. What differences do you notice from your previous club?
Jeremy: “Generally the second division in Spain has a good reputation as well, with very technical football. But of course the level at VfB, who also play in Europe, is much higher. I’m surrounded by very good pros who I can learn and take a lot from. The intensity is high. Physicality, dynamism, quick decisions, neat play – all of that is decisive at this level.”
How would you describe your own style of play for the white-and-red fans?
Jeremy: “I like being active and involved, I like having the ball or trying to open up spaces for my teammates. People say that I’m capable of generating good movement towards goal. I want to show that at VfB too so that I can help the team – whether it’s through runs, assists or finishes.”
The first Bundesliga home match of 2026 comes on Tuesday evening, against Eintracht Frankfurt. What kind of game are you expecting?
Jeremy: “It’s a very significant match from a sporting point of view – you only have to look at the table to see that. The atmosphere will certainly be impressive with it being an evening game. As a player, I’ve never experienced a crowd of this size. My aim first of all is to give a good account of myself in training, so that I make it into the matchday squad.”
