The decision has been made: Yannik Keitel will not return to VfB Stuttgart immediately following his loan spell at FC Augsburg.

Instead, the DFB-Pokal finalists agreed with their Swabian Bundesliga rivals on an extension of the 26-year-old defender's loan until summer 2027, as both clubs confirmed on Tuesday.

Augsburg also holds a purchase option for Keitel, who moved to Augsburg on loan last winter but has made only six appearances due to injury issues.

Augsburg sporting director Benni Weber stated that Keitel demonstrated in the second half of last season, despite his injury setbacks, that he fits very well with their team through his exceptional character. Weber expressed confidence in Keitel's qualities and belief that he can provide even stronger support on the pitch after a complete pre-season preparation with the squad. Weber added that they are pleased to extend the loan and look forward to starting the new season together with Keitel.

Keitel explained that he felt very comfortable at Augsburg from the start and was delighted to continue his path there. He noted that the discussions with the club's management were very positive and expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in him. Keitel acknowledged that injuries made the previous season difficult but stated his intention to give full effort during pre-season preparation and help the squad even more on the pitch in the coming season.

20 competitive matches for VfB Stuttgart

Keitel transferred from SC Freiburg to VfB Stuttgart in summer 2024. Since then, he has made a total of 20 competitive appearances in Stuttgart's kit—eleven in the Bundesliga, four in the UEFA Champions League, two in the DFB-Pokal, one in the DFL-Supercup, and two with Stuttgart's third-division reserve team.

With head coach Sebastian Hoeneß's squad, Keitel won the DFB-Pokal in the 2024/2025 season.

Three departures from Stuttgart have been confirmed for this summer so far: goalkeeper prospect Florian Hellstern (on loan to Greuther Fürth), Pascal Stenzel (new club unknown), and national team goalkeeper Alexander Nübel, who returns to FC Bayern Munich after his loan spell expires.