BERLIN, June 19 (Xinhua) -- VfB Stuttgart has signed Tim van der Leij from RKC Waalwijk, bringing in a young striker on a long-term deal intended to support his gradual development at the club, Stuttgart announced on Thursday.
The 20-year-old, who is 1.93 meters tall, has agreed a contract running until June 30, 2030, after completing his medical.
Van der Leij arrives after a breakthrough first senior season in the Netherlands, where he scored 13 goals in 33 league appearances for second-tier Waalwijk. He also struck four times in the cup, taking his total to 17 goals in his first professional campaign.
Stuttgart said the forward will initially begin pre-season with its under-21 side on June 24, with the plan for him to adapt step by step and develop towards a higher level.
The club's senior attack already includes Deniz Undav and Ermedin Demirovic, and Van der Leij is not expected to be an immediate first-team option. He is instead set to strengthen Stuttgart's third-tier reserve team, where he can push for further opportunities.
"For me, it is a great step and a big chance," Van der Leij said. "I am very happy to be able to play for VfB in the future. I have seen some matches of the team and, of course, noticed the development steps young players have recently been able to take in Stuttgart."
Sporting director Christian Gentner described the forward as a player with significant promise. "Tim is a very talented striker with an exciting profile," Gentner said, adding, "He showed good performances in Waalwijk last season and drew attention with many goals."
Born in Den Bosch on March 6, 2006, Van der Leij previously played in the youth ranks of PSV Eindhoven and Vitesse Arnhem before joining Waalwijk in 2025. His side finished sixth and reached the play-offs, but missed promotion to the Eredivisie.
He is Stuttgart's third signing of the window after midfielder Grischa Promel and goalkeeper Marius Funk.
Stuttgart finished the season in fourth place with 62 points, securing a place among the Bundesliga's top four after an 18-win campaign. ■
