BERLIN, July 2 (Xinhua)-- VfB Stuttgart has extended Dan-Axel Zagadou's contract until June 2027, retaining the injury-hit centre-back for another season after he fought his way back into the first team, the Bundesliga club announced on Thursday.
Zagadou's previous deal expired on June 30, briefly leaving the 27-year-old without a contract before Stuttgart confirmed that the partnership would continue for a fifth campaign.
The former Borussia Dortmund defender joined Stuttgart in September 2022 and has since made 53 competitive appearances, scoring two goals and providing two assists. His time at the club has repeatedly been interrupted by injuries, and he has not played more than 19 Bundesliga matches in any of his four seasons with Stuttgart.
Zagadou again missed several months of the recently completed campaign with a muscle injury. He returned to Bundesliga action on matchday 31 in a 1-1 home draw against Werder Bremen, more than five months after his previous senior appearance.
He made eight senior competitive appearances during the season, including three Bundesliga outings, and played three matches for Stuttgart's second team in the third division.
"'Daxo' is an important part of our squad because of his footballing qualities and his personality," sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth said. "He has fought his way back after his injury setbacks with great diligence and is therefore a valuable option for our defence. We are looking forward to continuing our journey with him."
Zagadou said he was grateful for the confidence shown by the club. "I will do everything in my power to perform at my best for the coaching staff, the club and the fans in the coming season," he said. "Let us work together and be successful."
The defender helped Stuttgart preserve their Bundesliga status through the relegation play-offs in 2023, featuring in both matches, before the club finished runners-up the following season and qualified for the Champions League.
Stuttgart secured Champions League qualification again at the end of the 2025-26 season, with Zagadou now set to provide another defensive option across a campaign involving three competitions. ■
