Stuttgart snap up Ibisevic

Stuttgart have won the race to sign Hoffenheim’s highly-rated striker Vedad Ibisevic, ahead of Premier League interest from Blackburn and Everton. The English clubs had been tracking the Bosnian front-man for a number of months only for Hoffenheim to agree a somewhat surprising 5million Euro deal with Bundesliga rivals Stuttgart.

The 27-year old has scored over 50 goals in his five years at Hoffenheim, scoring five goals in the club’s stuttering 2011/12 campaign. His exit will strike a big blow to the club, especially as it is highly possible that Stuttgart and Hoffenheim could yet end up in a relegation battle together. Those following the Bundesliga betting need to remember this.

The two clubs are separated by just a single point, only five points ahead of the relegation zone as the season heads towards the business half of proceedings. There is a very real possibility that Ibisevic could come back to haunt Hoffenheim and that will be the main worry of the fans.

That’s certainly the biggest issue Hoffenheim investor Dietmar Hopp had about the deal when speaking last week before the transfer was finalised.
“I am against selling Vedad Ibisevic.”

“This would be too big a risk. We need him in our colours in the second phase of the Bundesliga campaign,” added Hopp.

“Letting him go would be a certain weakening of our strength. We are actually too close to the relegation zone.”

It remains to be seen whether or not Hoffenheim will have time to replace Ibisevic before the transfer window closes, and more so as to whether or not any possible replacement could do the same job as the Bosnian and with as much effectiveness. Fans of Betting tips should bear this in mind.

Either way, Stuttgart will be well aware that they have secured a proven goal-scorer, and one which could yet turn their disappointing season around and maintain their place in the Bundesliga.