VfB Stuttgart have confirmed another new arrival for the forthcoming 2026/27 campaign with the signing of Tim van der Leij. The 1.93 metre-tall striker joins from RKC Waalwijk in the Dutch second division, where he scored 13 goals in 33 games last season. The 20-year-old has agreed a contract until 30 June 2030 at VfB. The two clubs have agreed not to disclose the transfer fee.
The Dutchman will initially join the VfB U21 team for pre-season on Wednesday 24 June, with the aim of gradually progressing to the next level.
Tim van der Leij:
This is a fantastic step for me and a big opportunity. I’m really looking forward to playing for VfB.
Van der Leij, who has successfully completed his medical, said: “This is a fantastic step for me and a big opportunity. I’m really looking forward to playing for VfB. I’ve watched a few of their games and have obviously seen the progress young players have been making in Stuttgart of late. I also want to develop step by step, and I’m really excited to get to know all my team-mates soon and be successful with the club.”
Christian Gentner, VfB sporting director, explained: “Tim is a very talented striker with an exciting profile. He delivered good performances for Waalwijk last season and caught the eye with a lot of goals. We’ll support Tim in taking the next steps in his development at VfB and look forward to our future together.”
Seventeen goals in first senior campaign
Van der Leij, who was born in Den Bosch, Netherlands on 6 March 2006, spent time in the academies of PSV Eindhoven and Vitesse Arnhem as a youngster before joining Waalwijk in summer 2025. He netted 13 goals in the Dutch second tier last season as well as four times in the cup. RKC finished sixth in the table and qualified for the play-offs, but missed out on promotion to the Eredivisie.
Third signing of the summer
Van der Leij becomes VfB’s third new signing of this transfer window following the arrivals of midfielder Grischa Prömel from TSG Hoffenheim and goalkeeper Marius Funk from Energie Cottbus.
