VfB Stuttgart have confirmed the contract extensions of Timo Baumgartl and Alexandru Maxim until 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Two important players for the future
The decision to keep the latter at the club ends any speculation linking him with a move away to Hamburger SV, as their fellow Bundesliga rivals were rumoured to be quite keen on bringing him to northern Germany. Since joining from Pandurii Targu Jiu in 2013, Maxim has been a player that always excites the home crowd, and in 2013/14 he managed seven goals and 12 assists in 29 games - something he'll hope to replicate this coming season.
Baumgartl, on the other hand, made his breakthrough into the first-team last term after a series of injuries to more mature defenders required him to fill in. He did more than that and showed ability and mental toughness beyond his age, playing in 20 games as Stuttgart narrowly avoided relegation on the final day. The 19-year-old has also featured regularly through the Germany's youth national teams, but missed the under-19 Euros through injury.
Baumgartl, Maxim and Dutt have their say
"I am very happy about the contract extension because I absolutely identify with the club," said Baumgartl. He cited the fact that he "collected my first experiences as a professional footballer" with Stuttgart and now would like to "develop with consistent performances" and also "become a regular fixture in the team. "
Maxim admitted he was "happy" that they had agreed on a contract extension and he now "want[s] to do my [Maxim's] part" to contribute "a good role" to the future and ensure the club remains in the Bundesliga. Sporting director for the Swabians, Robin Dutt, said that the club remain "convinced" of both players talents and added he was looking forward to working with them in the future.