Lazar Jovanovic has completed a move to the Cannstatt club from Serbian record champions Red Star Belgrade. The 18-year-old attacker, who has put pen to paper on a contract until 30 June 2029, will join VfB for the start of pre-season and wear the number 45 shirt.
Lazar Jovanovic said: “I’m hugely excited for my time at VfB. It will be my first time playing for a club outside my home country, which is something quite special. I’m very happy to be able to take this step and, of course, I want to contribute as much as possible at VfB, continue to develop and hopefully celebrate lots of wins with my team-mates and the fans.”
Fabian Wohlgemuth, VfB board member for sport, said: “We’ve been monitoring Lazar Jovanovic closely for a long period of time. He played several games in the Serbian first division as a very young player last season and showed good performances. He’s also demonstrated his qualities in the Youth League. We’re confident Lazar can make the step up to VfB and the Bundesliga, and offer him a warm welcome to Stuttgart.”
Professional debut at 16
Jovanovic was born on 30 November 2006 in Novi Sad, Serbia. He started his football career at FK Vojvodina, where he progressed through all the youth teams before making his professional debut for the club in the Serbian Super League at the age of 16 years and eight months. He signed for Serbian record champions FK Crvena zvezda, or Red Star Belgrade, ahead of the 2024/25 season, where he registered one goal and two assists in five competitive appearances. He spent the second half of the campaign on loan at top-flight rivals OFK Belgrade – there he held down a regular place in the team, scoring four goals and setting up one in 15 outings.
The 1.84-metre-tall attacker is a current youth international for his country. He’s gone through all the age groups from U16 up to the U21 team, for whom he recently made his debut at the end of May. In total he’s made 17 youth international appearances, scoring seven goals and providing three assists.
Third signing of the summer
Jovanovic is VfB’s third signing for the upcoming 2025/26 season after full-back Lorenz Assignon (Stade Rennes) and attacking midfielder Noah Darvich (Barcelona).