"It was clear" - Bundesliga manager explains decision to stay at current club despite reported interest from Chelsea and Manchester United
VfB Stuttgart head coach Sebastian Hoeness opened up about his decision to continue with the Bundesliga side despite reported interest from Chelsea and Manchester United. The German manager joined Die Roten in 2023 following his two-season tenure at TSG Hoffenheim.
Ahead of the ongoing season, Chelsea and Manchester United were reportedly looking for potential managerial candidates and both clubs reportedly had Hoeness on their list. The 42-year-old coach has attracted a lot of attention since joining Stuttgart and leading the club to a second-place finish in the Bundesliga last season.
Sebastian Hoeness reportedly rejected the offers from the Premier League giants. Following this, Manchester United decided to continue with Erik ten Hag before eventually dismissing him at the end of October. Chelsea, meanwhile, appointed Enzo Maresca in June after parting ways with Mauricio Pochettino.
While speaking in a recent interview with German outlet, Bild, Sebastian Hoeness revealed why he decided to stay at Stuttgart, instead of switching to the Premier League clubs. He said (via Daily Mail):
"I noticed that there was interest from various clubs. That wasn't entirely surprising after the season we played. But I had decided to stay in Stuttgart a few months earlier. That's why I didn't have a single conversation. It was clear to me that I wanted to develop and build something at VfB this season too."
When asked if Hoeness regretted his decision, the former attacking midfielder provided a straight answer:
"No."
However, his plans at Stuttgart have not been going too well so far with his squad currently 11th on the Bundesliga table with 13 points in 10 matches.
Manchester United and Chelsea reportedly keen on signing LOSC Lille's Lucas Chevalier
TBR Football reported that Manchester United and Chelsea are interested in signing LOSC Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier next summer. The Frenchman is also reportedly on the transfer target list of Tottenham Hotspur.
After starting his senior career with Lille's B team in 2018, Lucas Chevalier has been the first-choice goalkeeper this season for the Ligue 1 club. His recent performances, especially his heroics against Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League have turned heads, making the 23-year-old a potential transfer target for multiple top European clubs.
Lucas Chevalier has contributed to seven clean sheets in 19 appearances across competitions for Lille so far this season. With his current contract valid until the summer of 2027, the French club can ask for a significant fee for the shot-stopper amid interest from the Premier League giants.