VfB are continuing to lay the foundations for the future, with the club’s latest measure to extend the contract of Atakan Karazor, whose deal was due to expire in 2026, by two more years until 30 June 2028. The 27-year-old has been in Cannstatt since 2019, making him one of the longest-serving players currently in the VfB squad.
Karazor has developed into a key cornerstone of VfB’s defensive department since his arrival in 2019/20, a season in which the side earned promotion back to the Bundesliga. The No.16 has now made 141 competitive appearances for the club, of which 105 have been in the Bundesliga, 23 in Bundesliga 2 (including two goals), 11 in the DFB Cup and two in the relegation play-offs.
He only missed one Bundesliga fixture in the recently ended 2023/24 campaign, which was due to suspension for yellow card accumulation. In addition to his 33 league outings he also played four times in the DFB Cup, starting 35 of 37 possible games overall.
VfB sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth: “Atakan Karazor is an essential part of our team. Ata carries a huge presence onto the pitch and is the perfect example of putting the team first and identifying with VfB. We’re delighted that Ata has committed himself so clearly to VfB and the path we’re on by signing a long-term contract extension.”
Atakan Karazor: “I’m very proud to have extended my contract at VfB. It’s an unbelievable feeling for me to be able to play for such a big club. I was warmly welcomed here from the very first day and I feel really good here. Last season went superbly for us, and I’ll do everything I can for us to continue to be successful in the future too.”