VfB have completed their second new signing ahead of the 2025/26 season. Having brought in French full-back Lorenz Assignon last month, the Cannstatt club have now secured the services of attacking midfielder Noah Darvich from Spanish side FC Barcelona. The 18-year-old has signed a contract until 30 June 2029.
Darvich, who was part of the Germany squad at the recent European Under-19 Championship in Romania, said: “I’m delighted that the move to VfB – such a special club – has worked out. I still watched the Bundesliga regularly during my time at FC Barcelona and followed VfB’s remarkable progress. I now want to settle in quickly, get to know my team-mates, and work hard so I can continue to develop at VfB and be successful with this club.”
Fabian Wohlgemuth, VfB’s board member for sport, added: “We’re really pleased to have signed Noah Darvich. Noah is one of the biggest talents in his age group and is already playing football at a high level. We also still see significant potential in him, not least because of his young age. We’re convinced Noah will have a very positive future in a VfB jersey.”
Left home at young age
Born in Freiburg on 25 September 2006, Darvich progressed through all the SC Freiburg youth teams after joining the Black Forest outfit in 2017. In summer 2023, when he was just 16, he decided to leave his hometown club for the first time and sign for Catalan giants Barcelona. He made 50 appearances during his time in Spain, appearing for the club’s second team and their U19 side in the UEFA Youth League. He registered three goals and four assists in that time.
The 1.84m attacking midfielder has also gained plenty of international experience as a youngster, having been part of Germany’s youth setup since the U16s. He’s made 41 appearances for his country at junior level, scoring 13 goals and setting up another 12.
2023 was a particularly special year for Darvich, who captained Germany U17s to victory at both the European Under-17 Championship in Hungary and the U-17 World Cup in Indonesia. He was also awarded the Fritz Walter Silver Medal by the German Football Association (DFB).