The recent relegation of VfL Wolfsburg has set the stage for a significant squad overhaul, with young German striker Dzenan PejcinovicPlayer·Dzenan Pejcinovic emerging as a prime target for clubs across the BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga. The 21-year-old German Under-21 international is reportedly attracting considerable interest, with a potential transfer fee expected to be "well over 20 million euros," according to kicker.
Pejcinovic, who enjoyed a solid first full BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga campaign despite Wolfsburg's struggles, is reportedly inclined to remain in Germany's top flight. SC Freiburg, Bayer LeverkusenTeam·Bayer Leverkusen, and Eintracht FrankfurtTeam·Eintracht Frankfurt are among the clubs closely monitoring his situation. While Portuguese giants BenficaTeam·Benfica Lisbon have also been mentioned as suitors, the player's preference appears to be a continued presence in the BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga.
VfL Wolfsburg, facing the realities of relegation, acknowledges the attention Pejcinovic has garnered. The club would only consider parting ways with one of their few bright spots if an "exceptional offer" materialises. This stance underscores the significant valuation placed on the striker, who has demonstrated considerable potential.
Pejcinovic's journey has been marked by both promise and adversity. Two years ago, he reportedly drew interest from Manchester CityTeam·Manchester City at the behest of Pep Guardiola, following an impressive youth record of 31 goals in 21 outings for VfL's U19s and an identical goal-to-game ratio for Germany's youth sides from U16 to U19. However, a metatarsal fracture shortly after his first-team promotion derailed his progress, sidelining him for months.
A subsequent loan spell at then second-tier side Fortuna DüsseldorfTeam·Fortuna Düsseldorf offered a chance for revival, but further injuries, including a meniscus tear while on U20 national-team duty and a second metatarsal fracture, again curtailed his momentum. Despite these setbacks, he contributed four goals in 17 appearances for Fortuna, forming a productive partnership with Dawid KownackiPlayer·Dawid Kownacki.
Returning to Wolfsburg, Pejcinovic remained injury-free and delivered a strong performance in the 2025/26 BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga season. After breaking his goal-scoring duck before the winter break, he quickly found his rhythm, netting a hat-trick against SC Freiburg and adding further strikes against FC Bayern and St. PauliTeam·St. Pauli. His form also saw him step up to the German U21s, scoring on his September debut and starting six of seven European Championship qualifiers, though he currently sits behind Nicolo TresoldiPlayer·Nicolo Tresoldi in Antonio Di Salvo's pecking order.
He concluded the campaign with 12 goals in 34 competitive outings. Pejcinovic also scored the early opener in the second leg of the relegation play-off against SC Paderborn, a match that ultimately saw Wolfsburg relegated following the controversial early sending-off of Joakim MaehlePlayer·Joakim Maehle. His individual performance amidst the team's collective disappointment has undoubtedly amplified his appeal on the transfer market, making him one of the most sought-after talents as the summer window approaches.
Dzenan Pejcinovic celebrates scoring for VfL Wolfsburg during a relegation match. Photo: Ulrich Hufnagel/IMAGO
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