VfB Stuttgart defender Anrie Chase set for Salzburg switch

A departure appears imminent for VfB Stuttgart youngster Anrie Chase, with the defender reportedly on the verge of joining Austrian champions RB Salzburg.

According to Laola1.tv, the 21-year-old centre-back is already in Salzburg as final details of the deal are ironed out. The transfer could be completed in the coming days.

When asked about Chase’s future, Salzburg head coach Thomas Letsch kept his cards close to his chest:

“On holiday in Salzburg? I didn’t know that. Of course, he’s an exciting player, but Sadio Mané is also in Saalfelden, and that’s not far from Salzburg. Not everyone in Salzburg is automatically a player of ours,” the 56-year-old said.

Sporting director Rouven Schröder was more direct: “It’s no secret that we want to get something done soon. On the other hand, Anrie Chase is still not fully fit. We’ll take our time with it.”

Two-million-euro deal on the table?

Chase, who has Japanese and American roots, joined Stuttgart in 2022 and initially played for the reserves. He earned a spot in the senior squad last season under Sebastian Hoeneß and made 12 Bundesliga appearances and five Champions League outings during the first half of the campaign.

However, he lost his place after the winter break and didn’t feature in the Bundesliga again, instead dropping back to the second team before suffering a torn muscle fibre in his adductors in March.

Kicker reports that Stuttgart could receive around €2 million as part of the transfer. Salzburg, who kick off their Austrian Bundesliga campaign on Friday against SV Ried (19:30 CEST), will be keen to finalise the move as soon as possible.